Side effects of magnesium infusion
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Side Effects of Magnesium Infusion
Introduction to Magnesium Infusion Side Effects
Magnesium infusions are used in various medical treatments, including managing heart conditions, postoperative pain, and electrolyte imbalances. While beneficial, these infusions can have side effects that vary depending on the context of their use. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the side effects associated with magnesium infusions.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Transient Flushing and Sinus Bradycardia
In the context of acute myocardial infarction, magnesium infusions have been associated with transient flushing, which is related to the speed of injection of the loading dose. Additionally, an increased incidence of sinus bradycardia has been observed . These side effects are generally transient and manageable.
Hypotensive Effects
Magnesium sulfate infusions in patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension have shown a transient hypotensive effect on mean arterial pressure, particularly related to the bolus infusion. This effect tends to normalize with continuous infusion . Similarly, in patients with acute myocardial infarction, magnesium infusions have been linked to a reduction in left ventricular failure incidence, although no significant adverse cardiovascular effects were noted .
Neurological and Muscular Side Effects
Neurotoxicity Prevention
Magnesium infusions are sometimes used to prevent neurotoxicity in patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. While effective in reducing the incidence of neurotoxicity, no significant adverse neurological effects have been reported .
Muscle Biopsy Findings
In patients with congestive heart failure and hyponatremia, magnesium infusions resulted in changes in muscle sodium, chloride, and potassium levels, indicating a potential impact on muscle function. However, specific adverse muscular effects were not detailed .
Postoperative and Analgesic Side Effects
Pain Management and Analgesic Requirements
Magnesium infusions during surgeries, such as spinal anesthesia and open cholecystectomy, have been shown to improve postoperative analgesia and reduce pain scores without significant side effects. No adverse effects related to hypermagnesemia were observed in these contexts 34. Additionally, in bariatric surgery, the combination of magnesium and ketamine reduced morphine requirements without increasing the incidence of nausea, vomiting, or excessive sedation .
Hemodynamic Stability
In dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy, magnesium infusions did not produce any significant cardio-respiratory or major hemostatic side effects, indicating a stable hemodynamic profile during and after surgery .
Conclusion
Magnesium infusions, while beneficial in various medical treatments, can have side effects such as transient flushing, sinus bradycardia, and hypotensive effects. However, these side effects are generally manageable and do not outweigh the therapeutic benefits. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications and optimize the use of magnesium infusions in clinical practice.
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