Serum magnesium targets and antidote for cardiac toxicity
THE CONTEXT
The passage describes serum magnesium concentrations during seizure prophylaxis and control, along with a dose consideration and treatment of cardiac toxicity.
Magnesium concentrations and dose
•
The stated therapeutic range is 4–8 mEq/L (5–9 mg/dL; 2–3.5 mmol/L).
•
For control of fits, the passage specifies maintaining serum magnesium at 4.8–8.4 mg/dL (4–7 mEq/L).
•
Patients with high BMI require a higher dose.
Cardiac toxicity
•
Calcium gluconate is the antidote to cardiac toxicity caused by hypermagnesemia.