MgSO4

Medical abbreviation · Drug

MgSO4 stands for Magnesium sulfate, a drug abbreviation.

Magnesium salt given IV to prevent and treat seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia, to treat torsades de pointes and severe asthma, and to replace low magnesium. It is also used orally and as Epsom salt.

Example: MgSO4 4 g IV over 20 minutes, then 2 g/h for seizure prophylaxis.

Usage notes

MgSO4 is on The Joint Commission "Do Not Use" list because it has been confused with MSO4 (morphine sulfate); the required wording is "magnesium sulfate". IV magnesium is a high-alert medication in obstetrics, and overdose causes loss of reflexes and respiratory depression, reversed with calcium gluconate.

Related abbreviations

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• MgO – Magnesium oxide
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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.