Magnesium Sulfate

ADVERSE REACTIONS The adverse effects of parenterally administered magnesium usually are the result of magnesium intoxication. These include flushing, sweating, hypotension, depressed reflexes, flaccid paralysis, hypothermia, circulatory collapse, cardiac and central nervous system depression proceeding to respiratory paralysis. Hypocalcemia with signs of tetany secondary to magnesium sulfate therapy for eclampsia has been reported.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Intravenous magnesium should not be given to mothers with toxemia of pregnancy during the two hours preceding delivery.

DESCRIPTION Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate in water for injection. May contain sulfuric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. The pH is 4.5 (3.5 to 6.5). It is available in a 4% and 8% concentrations. See HOW SUPPLIED section for the content and characteristics of available dosage forms and sizes. Magnesium Sulfate, USP heptahydrate is chemically designated MgSO 4 • 7H 2 O, colorless crystals or white powder freely soluble in water. Water for Injection, USP is chemically designated H 2 O. VIAFLO container is a flexible plastic container fabricated from a multilayer sheeting composed of Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA) and Polyethylene (PE). The amount of water that can permeate from the container into the overwrap is insufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the flexible container can leach out certain of the container’s chemical components in very small amounts within the expiration period. The suitability of the container material has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological tests for plastic containers. Exposure to temperatures above 25°C/77°F during transport and storage will lead to minor losses in moisture content. Higher temperatures lead to greater losses. It is unlikely that these minor losses will lead to clinically significant changes within the expiration period.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection is intended for intravenous use only. For the management of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, intravenous infusions of dilute solutions of magnesium (1% to 8%) are often given in combination with intramuscular injections of 50% Magnesium Sulfate Injection, USP. Therefore, in the clinical conditions cited below, both forms of therapy are noted, as appropriate. Continuous maternal administration of magnesium sulfate in pregnancy beyond 5-7 days can cause fetal abnormalities. In Pre-Eclampsia or Eclampsia In severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, the total initial dose is 10 to 14 g of magnesium sulfate. To initiate therapy, 4 g of Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection may be administered intravenously. The rate of intravenous infusion should generally not exceed 150 mg/minute, or 3.75 mL of a 4% concentration (or its equivalent) per minute, except in severe eclampsia with seizures. Simultaneously, 4 to 5 g (32.5 to 40.6 mEq) of magnesium sulfate may be administered intramuscularly into each buttock using undiluted 50% Magnesium Sulfate Injection. After the initial intravenous dose, some clinicians administer 1 to 2 g/hour by constant intravenous infusion. Subsequent intramuscular doses of 4 to 5 g of magnesium sulfate may be injected into alternate buttocks every four hours, depending on the continuing presence of the patellar reflex, adequate respiratory function, and absence of signs of magnesium toxicity. Therapy should continue until paroxysms cease. A serum magnesium level of 6 mg/100 mL is considered optimal for control of seizures. A total daily (24 hr) dose of 30 to 40 g magnesium sulfate should not be exceeded. In the presence of severe renal insufficiency, frequent serum magnesium concentrations must be obtained and the maximum recommended dosage of magnesium sulfate is 20 g per 48 hours. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not administer unless solution is clear. Discard unused portion.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection is indicated for the prevention and control of seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia, respectively. When used judiciously it effectively prevents and controls the convulsions of eclampsia without producing deleterious depression of the central nervous system of the mother or infant. However, other effective drugs are available for this purpose.

WARNINGS FETAL HARM: Continuous administration of magnesium sulfate beyond 5-7 days to pregnant women can lead to hypocalcemia and bone abnormalities in the developing fetus. These bone abnormalities include skeletal demineralization and osteopenia. In addition, cases of neonatal fracture have been reported. The shortest duration of treatment that can lead to fetal harm is not known. Magnesium sulfate should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If magnesium sulfate is given for treatment of preterm labor, the woman should be informed that the efficacy and safety of such use have not been established and that use of magnesium sulfate beyond 5-7 days may cause fetal abnormalities. Parenteral use in the presence of renal insufficiency may lead to magnesium intoxication.

OVERDOSAGE Magnesium intoxication is manifested by a sharp drop in blood pressure and respiratory paralysis. Disappearance of the patellar reflex is a useful clinical sign to detect the onset of magnesium intoxication. In the event of overdosage, artificial ventilation must be provided until a calcium salt can be injected intravenously to antagonize the effects of magnesium. For Treatment of Overdose Artificial respiration is often required. Intravenous calcium, 10 to 20 mL of a 5% solution (diluted if desirable) with isotonic sodium chloride for injection) is used to counteract effects of hypermagnesemia. Subcutaneous physostigmine, 0.5 to 1 mg may be helpful. Hypermagnesemia in the newborn may require resuscitation and assisted ventilation via endotracheal intubation or intermittent positive pressure ventilation as well as intravenous calcium.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Magnesium (Mg ++ ) is an important cofactor for enzymatic reactions and plays an important role in neurochemical transmission and muscular excitability. Magnesium prevents or controls convulsions by blocking neuromuscular transmission and decreasing the amount of acetylcholine liberated at the end plate by the motor nerve impulse. Magnesium is said to have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, but it does not adversely affect the mother, fetus or neonate when used as directed in eclampsia or pre-eclampsia. Normal serum magnesium levels range from 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/liter. As serum magnesium rises above 4 mEq/liter, the deep tendon reflexes are first decreased and then disappear as the serum level approaches 10 mEq/liter. At this level respiratory paralysis may occur. Heart block also may occur at this or lower serum levels of magnesium. Magnesium acts peripherally to produce vasodilation. With low doses only flushing and sweating occur, but larger doses cause lowering of blood pressure. The central and peripheral effects of magnesium poisoning are antagonized to some extent by intravenous administration of calcium. With intravenous administration the onset of anticonvulsant action is immediate and lasts about 30 minutes. Following intramuscular administration the onset of action occurs in about one hour and persists for three to four hours. Effective anticonvulsant serum levels range from 2.5 to 7.5 mEq/liter. Pharmacokinetics Absorption Intravenously administered magnesium is immediately absorbed. Distribution Approximately 1-2% of total body magnesium is located in the extracellular fluid space. Magnesium is 30% bound to albumin. Metabolism Magnesium is not metabolized. Excretion Magnesium is excreted solely by the kidney at a rate proportional to the serum concentration and glomerular filtration. Special Populations Renal Insufficiency Magnesium is excreted solely by the kidney. In patients with severe renal insufficiency, the dose should be lower and frequent serum magnesium levels must be obtained (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Hepatic Insufficiency Magnesium is excreted solely by the kidney. No dosing adjustments are necessary in hepatic insufficiency. Drug-Drug Interactions Drug induced renal losses of magnesium occur with the following drugs or drug classes: Aminoglycosides Amphotericin B Cyclosporine Diuretics Digitalis Cisplatin Alcohol

Pharmacokinetics Absorption Intravenously administered magnesium is immediately absorbed. Distribution Approximately 1-2% of total body magnesium is located in the extracellular fluid space. Magnesium is 30% bound to albumin. Metabolism Magnesium is not metabolized. Excretion Magnesium is excreted solely by the kidney at a rate proportional to the serum concentration and glomerular filtration. Special Populations Renal Insufficiency Magnesium is excreted solely by the kidney. In patients with severe renal insufficiency, the dose should be lower and frequent serum magnesium levels must be obtained (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Hepatic Insufficiency Magnesium is excreted solely by the kidney. No dosing adjustments are necessary in hepatic insufficiency. Drug-Drug Interactions Drug induced renal losses of magnesium occur with the following drugs or drug classes: Aminoglycosides Amphotericin B Cyclosporine Diuretics Digitalis Cisplatin Alcohol

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Magnesium Sulfate Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate MAGNESIUM SULFATE HEPTAHYDRATE MAGNESIUM CATION SULFURIC ACID SODIUM HYDROXIDE WATER Magnesium Sulfate Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate MAGNESIUM SULFATE HEPTAHYDRATE MAGNESIUM CATION SULFURIC ACID SODIUM HYDROXIDE WATER Magnesium Sulfate Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate MAGNESIUM SULFATE HEPTAHYDRATE MAGNESIUM CATION SULFURIC ACID SODIUM HYDROXIDE WATER

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Studies with Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential or effects on fertility.

ANDA211966

Magnesium Sulfate

Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate

0338-1719

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

INTRAVENOUS

PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Container Label 50 mL NDC 0338-1708-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection 2 g Total 2g/50 mL 40 mg per mL Each 50 mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains: Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 2 g (equivalent to 16.25 mEq magnesium) in water for injection. May contain sulfuric acid and/ or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. pH 4.5 (3.5 to 6.5) 325 mOsmol/Liter (calc.) Single-Dose Container – Discard unused portion. For Intravenous Infusion Recommended dosage: See prescribing information. Use only if solution is clear and container is undamaged. Must not be used in series connections. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing. VIAFLO container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP, or PVC. Rx Only Recycle 07 logo Barcode (01) 00303381708405 Baxter Logo Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland EZPE8001 CB-35-04-891 DO NOT USE THIS PORT Do not use this port▼ logo LOT EXP Container Label 100 mL NDC 0338-1715-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection 4 g/100 mL (40 mg per mL) 4g total Each 100 mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains: Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 4 g (equivalent to 32.5 mEq magnesium) in water for injection. May contain sulfuric acid and/ or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. pH 4.5 (3.5 to 6.5) 325 mOsmol/Liter (calc.) Single-Dose Container – Discard unused portion. For Intravenous Infusion Recommended dosage: See prescribing information. Use only if solution is clear and container is undamaged. Must not be used in series connections. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing. VIAFLO container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP, or PVC. Rx Only Recycle 07 logo Barcode (01) 00303381715403 Baxter Logo Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland EZPE8003 CB-35-04-893 DO NOT USE THIS PORT Do not use this port▼ logo LOT EXP Container Label 50 mL NDC 0338-1719-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection 4 g/50 mL (80 mg per mL) 4g total Each 50 mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains: Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 4 g (equivalent to 32.5 mEq magnesium) in water for injection. May contain sulfuric acid and/ or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. pH 4.5 (3.5 to 6.5) 649 mOsmol/Liter (calc.) Single-Dose Container – Discard unused portion. For Intravenous Infusion Recommended dosage: See prescribing information. Use only if solution is clear and container is undamaged. Must not be used in series connections. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing. VIAFLO container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP, or PVC. Rx Only Recycle 07 logo Barcode (01) 0030338179401 Baxter Logo Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland EZPE8002 CB-35-04-892 DO NOT USE THIS PORT Do not use this port ▼ logo LOT EXP Overpouch Label 50 mL TO OPEN – TEAR AT NOTCH NDC 0338-1708-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection 2g Total 2 g/50 mL (40 mg/mL) Each 50 mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains: Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 2 g (equivalent to 16.25 mEq magnesium) in water for injection. May contain sulfuric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. 325 mOsmol/Liter (calc.) pH 4.5 (3.5 to 6.5) DO NOT ADD SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICATION. WHENEVER POSSIBLE USE CENTRAL ROUTE. Single-Dose Container – Discard unused portion. For Intravenous Infusion. Recommended dosage: See prescribing information. Use only if solution is clear and container is undamaged. After removing the overwrap, check for minute leaks by squeezing container firmly. If leaks are found, discard unit as sterility may be impaired. Must not be used in series connections. The overwrap is a moisture barrier. Do not remove unit from overwrap until ready for use. Use promptly once overpouch is opened. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing. VIAFLO container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP, or PVC. 2D Barcode (91)CB1001220 Rx Only EZPE8001 CB-10-01-220 Baxter Logo Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland (See Solution Container for Lot and Exp) Barcode (01) 00303381708405 Overpouch Label 100 mL TO OPEN – TEAR AT NOTCH NDC 0338-1715-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection 4 g/100 mL (40 mg/mL) 4g Total Each 100 mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains: Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 4 g (equivalent to 32.5 mEq magnesium) in water for injection. May contain sulfuric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. 325 mOsmol/Liter (calc.) pH 4.5 (3.5 to 6.5) DO NOT ADD SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICATION. WHENEVER POSSIBLE USE CENTRAL ROUTE. Single-Dose Container – Discard unused portion. For Intravenous Infusion. Recommended dosage: See prescribing information. Use only if solution is clear and container is undamaged. After removing the overwrap, check for minute leaks by squeezing container firmly. If leaks are found, discard unit as sterility may be impaired. Must not be used in series connections. The overwrap is a moisture barrier. Do not remove unit from overwrap until ready for use. Use promptly once overpouch is opened. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing. VIAFLO container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP, or PVC. 2D Barcode (91)CB1001222 Rx Only EZPE8003 CB-10-01-222 Baxter Logo Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland (See Solution Container for Lot and Exp) Barcode (01) 00303381715403 Overpouch Label 50 mL TO OPEN – TEAR AT NOTCH NDC 0338-1719-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection 4 g/50 mL (80 mg/mL) 4g Total Each 50 mL of sterile, nonpyrogenic solution contains: Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 4 g (equivalent to 32.5 mEq magnesium) in water for injection. May contain sulfuric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. 649 mOsmol/Liter (calc.) pH 4.5 (3.5 to 6.5) DO NOT ADD SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICATION. WHENEVER POSSIBLE USE CENTRAL ROUTE. Single-Dose Container – Discard unused portion. For Intravenous Infusion. Recommended dosage: See prescribing information. Use only if solution is clear and container is undamaged. After removing the overwrap, check for minute leaks by squeezing container firmly. If leaks are found, discard unit as sterility may be impaired. Must not be used in series connections. The overwrap is a moisture barrier. Do not remove unit from overwrap until ready for use. Use promptly once overpouch is opened. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing. VIAFLO container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP, or PVC. 2D Barcode (91)CB1001221 Rx Only EZPE8002 CB-10-01-221 Baxter Logo Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland (See Solution Container for Lot and Exp) Barcode (01) 00303381719401 Magnesium Sulfate in Water Representative Container Label 0338-1708-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water Representative Container Label 0338-1715-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water Representative Container Label 0338-1719-40.jpg Magnesium Sulfate in Water Representative Overpouch Label 0338-1708-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water Representative Overpouch Label 0338-1715-40 Magnesium Sulfate in Water Representative Overpouch Label 0338-1719-40

Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland March 2019 Baxter and Viaflo are trademarks of Baxter International Inc. CB-30-02-581 Baxter Logo

REFERENCES 1. Yokoyama K, Takahashi N, Yada Y. Prolonged maternal magnesium administration and bone metabolism in neonates. Early Human Dev . 2010; 86(3):187-91. Epub 2010 Mar 12. 2. Wedig KE, Kogan J, Schorry EK et al. Skeletal demineralization and fractures caused by fetal magnesium toxicity. J Perinatol . 2006; 26(6):371-4. 3. Nassar AH, Sakhel K, Maarouf H, et al. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcome of prolonged course of magnesium sulfate tocolysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scan . 2006; 85(9):1099-103. 4. Malaeb SN, Rassi A, Haddad MC. Bone mineralization in newborns whose mothers received magnesium sulphate for tocolysis of premature labor. Pediatr Radiol . 2004; 34(5):384-6. Epub 2004 Feb 18. 5. Matsuda Y, Maeda Y, Ito M, et al. Effect of magnesium sulfate treatment on neonatal bone abnormalities. Gynecol Obstet Invest . 1997; 44(2):82-8. 6. Schanler RJ, Smith LG, Burns PA. Effects of long-term maternal intravenous magnesium sulfate therapy on neonatal calcium metabolism and bone mineral content. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 1997; 43(4):236-41. 7. Santi MD, Henry GW, Douglas GL. Magnesium sulfate treatment of preterm labor as a cause of abnormal neonatal bone mineralization. J Pediatr Orthop . 1994; 14(2):249-53. 8. Holocomb WL, Shackelford GD, Petrie RH. Magnesium tocolysis and neonatal bone abnormalities: a controlled study. Obstet Gynecol . 1991; 78(4):611-4. 9. Cumming WA, Thomas VJ. Hypermagnesemia: a cause of abnormal metaphyses in the neonate. Am J Roentgenol . 1989; 152(5):1071-2. 10. Lamm CL, Norton KL, Murphy RJ. Congenital rickets associated with magnesium sulfate infusion for tocolysis. J Pediatr . 1988; 113(6):1078-82. 11. McGuinness GA, Weinstein MM, Cruikshank DP, et al. Effects of magnesium sulfate treatment on perinatal calcium metabolism. II. Neonatal responses. Obstet Gynecol . 1980; 56(5):595-600. 12. Riaz M, Porat R, Brodsky NL, et al. The effect of maternal magnesium sulfate treatment on newborns: a prospective controlled study. J Perinatol. 1998; 18(6 pt 1):449-54.

Labor and Delivery Continuous administration of magnesium sulfate is an unapproved treatment for preterm labor. The safety and efficacy of such use have not been established. The administration of Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection outside of its approved indication in pregnant women should be by trained obstetrical personnel in a hospital setting with appropriate obstetrical care facilities.

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection is administered to a nursing woman.

Pregnancy (See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS) Teratogenic Effects Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection can cause fetal abnormalities when administered beyond 5-7 days to pregnant women. There are retrospective epidemiological studies and case reports documenting fetal abnormalities such as hypocalcemia, skeletal demineralization’s, osteopenia and other skeletal abnormalities with continuous maternal administration of magnesium sulfate for more than 5-7 days. 1-12 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If this drug is used during pregnancy the woman should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus. Nonteratogenic Effects When administered by continuous intravenous infusion (especially for more than 24 hours preceding delivery) to control convulsions in a toxemic woman, the newborn may show signs of magnesium toxicity, including neuromuscular or respiratory depression. (see OVERDOSAGE )

Teratogenic Effects Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection can cause fetal abnormalities when administered beyond 5-7 days to pregnant women. There are retrospective epidemiological studies and case reports documenting fetal abnormalities such as hypocalcemia, skeletal demineralization’s, osteopenia and other skeletal abnormalities with continuous maternal administration of magnesium sulfate for more than 5-7 days. 1-12 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If this drug is used during pregnancy the woman should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.

HOW SUPPLIED Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection is supplied in single-dose flexible plastic containers as follows: Product Code NDC No. Size Container Total Magnesium Sulfate* Total Magnesium Ion Magnesium Sulfate* Concentration Magnesium Ion Concentration Osmolarity (calc.) EZPE8001 0338-1708-40 50 mL 2g 16.25 mEq 4% (40 mg/mL) 16.25 mEq/50 mL 325 mOsmol/Liter EZPE8003 0338-1715-40 100 mL 4 g 32.5 mEq 4% (40 mg/mL) 32.5 mEq/100 mL 325 mOsmol/Liter EZPE8002 0338-1719-40 50 mL 4g 32.5 mEq 8% (80 mg/mL) 32.5 mEq/50 mL 649 mOsmol/Liter *As the heptahydrate. WARNING: DO NOT USE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER IN SERIES CONNECTIONS. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Non-PVC, Non-DEHP, Sterile. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing.

PRECAUTIONS Because magnesium is removed from the body solely by the kidneys, the drug should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. Urine output should be maintained at a level of 100 mL every four hours. Monitoring serum magnesium levels and the patient's clinical status is essential to avoid the consequences of overdosage in toxemia. Clinical indications of a safe dosage regimen include the presence of the patellar reflex (knee jerk) and absence of respiratory depression (approximately 16 breaths or more/minute). Serum magnesium levels usually sufficient to control convulsions range from 3 to 6 mg/100 mL (2.5 to 5 mEq/liter). The strength of the deep tendon reflexes begins to diminish when serum magnesium levels exceed 4 mEq/liter. Reflexes may be absent at 10 mEq magnesium/liter, where respiratory paralysis is a potential hazard. An injectable calcium salt should be immediately available to counteract the potential hazards of magnesium intoxication in eclampsia. Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection should be administered slowly to avoid producing hypermagnesemia. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Studies with Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential or effects on fertility. Pregnancy (See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS) Teratogenic Effects Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection can cause fetal abnormalities when administered beyond 5-7 days to pregnant women. There are retrospective epidemiological studies and case reports documenting fetal abnormalities such as hypocalcemia, skeletal demineralization’s, osteopenia and other skeletal abnormalities with continuous maternal administration of magnesium sulfate for more than 5-7 days. 1-12 Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If this drug is used during pregnancy the woman should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus. Nonteratogenic Effects When administered by continuous intravenous infusion (especially for more than 24 hours preceding delivery) to control convulsions in a toxemic woman, the newborn may show signs of magnesium toxicity, including neuromuscular or respiratory depression. (see OVERDOSAGE ) Labor and Delivery Continuous administration of magnesium sulfate is an unapproved treatment for preterm labor. The safety and efficacy of such use have not been established. The administration of Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection outside of its approved indication in pregnant women should be by trained obstetrical personnel in a hospital setting with appropriate obstetrical care facilities. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection is administered to a nursing woman.