What is the antidote used to treat magnesium sulfate toxicity?

What is the antidote used to treat magnesium sulfate toxicity?

• A. Calcium gluconate
• B. Magnesium sulfate
• C. Sodium chloride
• D. Potassium chloride

Answer: (A)

Magnesium sulfate toxicity depresses neuromuscular transmission and cardiac conduction, so the remedy targets counteracting those effects. Calcium gluconate provides calcium ions that antagonize magnesium at the neuromuscular junction and in cardiac tissue, reversing symptoms like decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, and hypotension. Administering IV calcium gluconate can quickly restore normal nerve and muscle function and stabilize the patient. The other options do not counteract magnesium’s effects—adding more magnesium would worsen toxicity, and sodium or potassium chloride do not address the magnesium-induced neuromuscular and cardiac depression.

Magnesium sulfate toxicity depresses neuromuscular transmission and cardiac conduction, so the remedy targets counteracting those effects. Calcium gluconate provides calcium ions that antagonize magnesium at the neuromuscular junction and in cardiac tissue, reversing symptoms like decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, and hypotension. Administering IV calcium gluconate can quickly restore normal nerve and muscle function and stabilize the patient. The other options do not counteract magnesium’s effects—adding more magnesium would worsen toxicity, and sodium or potassium chloride do not address the magnesium-induced neuromuscular and cardiac depression.