Use of Magnesium Sulfate in Asthma in Childhood

Management of acute pediatric asthma

“…Two pediatric trials have since demonstrated improvement in PEFR and asthma clinical scores in children who received 25 to 40 mg/kg IV MgSO 4 [75,76]. Although the optimal dose has not been fully determined, doses up to 50 mg/kg have been administered safely without adverse effect [77]. Although baseline serum magnesium levels in asthmatics appear to be similar to levels observed in control patients, the effect of magnesium infusion is thought to be related to competitive antagonism with calcium.…”

Drug Therapy Approaches in the Treatment of Acute Severe Asthma in Hospitalised Children

“…In obstetric use, a plasma level of 5 to 7.5 mg/dl is required to produce relaxation of uterine smooth muscle. [128] Monem et al [177] administered 50 mg/kg intravenously over 20 minutes to 10 asthmatic children aged 2 to 16 years. The average magnesium level rose from 2 to 3.3 mg/dl at the end of the 20-minute infusion and returned to 2.5 mg/dl 60 minutes after the start of the infusion.…”

Uso do sulfato de magnésio venoso para tratamento da asma aguda grave da criança no pronto-socorro

“…However, serum magnesium levels generally have to exceed 12 mg/dL to have these effects, and these serum levels are only achieved with doses above 150 mg/kg, well above the therapeutic dose. (17) In healthy children, serum magnesium levels range between 1.60 and 2.55 mg/dL. The bronchodilatory effects of magnesium only manifest once serum levels reach 4 mg/dL.…”

“…Its action is observed within minutes after infusion and lasts for approximately two hours. (17) In clinical trials assessing the efficacy of magnesium administration in pediatric asthma crisis, administered magnesium doses ranged between 25 and 100 mg/kg (maximum 2 g). According to the British Guideline on the Management of Asthma (2011), magnesium should be given as no less than 40 mg/kg, not exceeding 2 g/dose.…”