Oral magnesium for tocolysis: a comparison of magnesium gluconate and enteric-coated magnesium chloride.
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.
Martin
R W
RW
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, USA.
Perry
K G
KG
Martin
J N
JN
Seago
D P
DP
Roberts
W E
WE
Morrison
J C
JC
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*
D005942:Gluconates; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D015636:Magnesium Chloride; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; C030691:gluconic acid