title: Oral magnesium for tocolysis: a comparison of magnesium gluconate and enteric-coated magnesium chloride.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Following parenteral magnesium tocolysis for patients in preterm labor. The choice of oral tocolytic medications is controversial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Over a six-month period, 47 patients who were inpreterm labor were randomized after parenteral magnesium tocolysis to receive magnesium gluconate ([Mg-g] 648 mg elemental magnesium/day) or magnesium chloride ([Mg-c] 640 mg elemental magnesium/ day). A serum magnesium was obtained 24 hours after the initiation of oral therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the 25 patients were treated with Mg-g and 22 with Mg-c there were no differences in patient demographics, initial cervical dilatation hours on parenteral magnesium sulfate, recurrent contractions, or side effects between the two groups. The cost was also similar (Mg-c, $1.40/d; Mg-g, $2.11/d). The serum magnesium levels were higher in the Mg-c group (1.80 +/- 0.28 mg/dl) compared to the Mg-g group (1.63 +/- 0.30 mg/dl) but the difference was not significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These two preparations of magnesium are similar in their effects on uterine activity and serum levels when used at these dosages.
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, USA.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Seago
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005942:Gluconates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015636:Magnesium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; D015145:Tocolysis; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D005942:Gluconates; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D015636:Magnesium Chloride; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; C030691:gluconic acid