Intravenous magnesium sulfate
If the patient worsens or does not have a rapid and marked response to bronchodilator and oxygen therapy, add intravenous magnesium sulfate (not suitable for children younger than 2 years).
Magnesium sulfate may have bronchodilator effects; it can improve lung function and reduce hospital admissions. The sickest patients appear to be the most likely to benefit.
For severe or life-threatening acute asthma that has not responded to initial treatment use:
magnesium sulfate 10 mmol (child 2 years or older: 0.1 to 0.2 mmol/kg up to 10 mmol) diluted to 100 mL in a compatible fluid, by slow intravenous injection over 20 minutes. asthma, acute: life-threatening magnesium sulfate magnesium sulfate magnesium sulfate
The safety of repeated doses or infusions of magnesium sulfate has not been assessed. Seek expert advice if considering further administration. Hypermagnesaemia can cause loss of deep tendon reflexes and muscle weakness, including respiratory muscle weakness. Comprehensive monitoring in a critical care or high-dependency environment is required.