Controversies over the use of magnesium sulfate in delirium tremens.
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.
Jermain
D M
DM
Department of Pharmacy Services, Scott and White Clinic, Scott and White Memorial Hospital, Temple, TX 76508.
Crismon
M L
ML
Nisbet
R B
RB
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*
D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D008274:Magnesium