What are the manifestaions of Magnesium Sulfate Toxicity?

- Magnesium toxicity can occur as a result of magnesium sulfate therapy. It is usually given for the management of preeclampsia.

Signs and Symptoms: Magnesium sulfate toxicity relate to the central nervous system depressant effects of the medication and include;

• respiratory depression; loss of deep tendon reflexes;
• sudden decrease in fetal heart rate or maternal heart rate, or both;
• and sudden drop in blood pressure.

*Hyperreflexia indicates increased cerebral edema.

*An absence of reflexes indicates magnesium excess. The therapeutic serum level of magnesium ranges from 4 to 7 mEq/L.