Magnesium sulfate is often prescribed to delay labor or treat eclampsia in pregnant women and to manage asthma and cardiac waveforms. Magnesium sulfate is also present in Epsom salt, which is used as a first-aid treatment to soothe irritated skin conditions. Magnesium sulfate can be absorbed through the skin, so you should be aware of the amount of magnesium sulfate you are encountering in order to avoid some of the more serious complications associated with long-term magnesium sulfate use.
Nervous System Problems
Magnesium sulfate has the potential to induce depression of the nervous system, according to Drugs.com. Long-term use of magnesium sulfate may allow magnesium levels to accumulate in your blood supply. Early symptoms of nervous system depression may include excessive sweating, weakness, dilated pupils or flushing. If your high level of magnesium is not treated, your nervous system symptoms may progress to overall muscle weakness to paralysis to subsequent death. You should have your magnesium levels checked repeatedly if you are being treated with long-term magnesium sulfate therapy.
Cardiovascular Irregularity
Although magnesium sulfate is often used to maintain normal cardiac output, long-term magnesium sulfate therapy has the potential to completely disrupt cardiac function, according to Drugs.com. The potential for low blood pressure increases with continual magnesium sulfate therapy. This low blood pressure can progress to hypothermia and circulatory collapse, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. You should see your doctor immediately if you feel that you are experiencing a slow or erratic heartbeat.
Hypocalcemia
Excess magnesium sulfate has the ability to sequester calcium out of the available blood supply. Long-term magnesium sulfate use can create chronic low calcium, which has serious implications, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In addition to bone loss, seizures, dementia and uncontrolled movements are signs of hypocalcemia. If you are on a long-term magnesium sulfate regimen, you should have your calcium levels checked routinely. Additional supplements may be needed to maintain a basal level of calcium in your system.
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