title: Controversies over the use of magnesium sulfate in delirium tremens.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To critically address the controversy of using parenteral magnesium sulfate in delirium tremens (DT).
  
  
  METHODS
  English-language journal articles published between 1954 and 1987.
  
  
  METHODS
  All literature available, mostly case reports, that either support or discourage magnesium sulfate administration to patients with DT.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pertinent information (as judged by the authors) was summarized and interpreted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DT has long been associated with magnesium deficiency because many alcoholic patients with DT have low serum magnesium concentrations. Recent literature, however, suggests that hypomagnesemia is not noted universally in this patient population and that patients' serum magnesium concentrations may return to normal without exogenous magnesium administration. Thus, there is most likely not a specific causal relationship of hypomagnesemia in DT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Routine administration of parenteral magnesium sulfate in patients with DT is not recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Services, Scott and White Clinic, Scott and White Memorial Hospital, Temple, TX 76508.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Jermain
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Crismon
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Nisbet
mesh_terms: D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D008274:Magnesium