Epsom-salts Poisoning and a Review of Magnesium-ion Physiology

Ditzler, John W.

doi:10.1097/00000542-197004000-00020

Cited by 10 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…In patients who fail to respond to these measures, have life threatening features or have renal failure, dialysis is the treatment of choice 2 , 4 , 5 , 8. Most of the ingested dose of magnesium would have remained in the extracellular compartment, since intracellular free magnesium is rigidly and homeostatically regulated, even in the face of very large changes in extracellular magnesium concentrations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deliberate overdose with Epsom salts

Milne

Dean²,

Hughes³

2009

Case Reports

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Epsom salts contains the active compound magnesium sulfate and is used most commonly as a laxative. There are potential serious toxic effects, including cardiac arrest, when the serum concentration rises above therapeutic values. We present a case of deliberate self poisoning with a large quantity of Epsom salts, resulting in a toxic serum magnesium concentration of 9.7 mmol/l (0.70-1.0 mmol/l). Clinical features included limb weakness, vomiting and confusion, with a subsequent rapid deterioration in level of consciousness and bradydysrhythmia. There was no significant response to calcium gluconate, so haemodialysis was urgently arranged. The patient made a full recovery. Hypermagnesaemia is unusual in patients with normal renal function. Although clinical severity does not always correlate with serum magnesium values, risk of cardiac arrest occurs with concentrations >6 mmol/l. Initial treatment is supportive. Dialysis should be considered when life threatening features or renal impairment are present.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deliberate overdose with Epsom salts

Milne

Dean²,

Hughes³

2009

Case Reports

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“…24 Excessive oral intake and absorption may occur in Epsom salts poisoning. 25 Aggressive parenteral therapy in the treatment of eclampsia may precipitate magnesium excess. Since magnesium crosses the placenta, infants born of eclamptie mothers have been flaccid as a result of acute hypermagnesaemia.…”

Section: (2) Magnesium Excessmentioning

confidence: 99%