Magnesium sulfate in prehospital care.

Magnesium compounds have been used in the healthcare setting for many years. Over-the-counter (OTC) products like magnesium oxides and magnesium hydroxides (magaldrate, Antiflux, Lowsium, Riopan) are used as antacids; magnesium salicylates (Doan’s pills, Magan, Mobidin) are used as non-narcotic analgesics; and magnesium salts (Milk of Magnesia) are used for constipation. This article focuses on the more progressive uses of intravenous magnesium sulfate that are beginning to appear in prehospital care protocols and trial studies, specifically for serious asthma and stroke. The more accepted use of magnesium for eclampsia and cardiac care is briefly reviewed.