title: Magnesium sulfate as a tocolytic agent.
abstract: Although magnesium sulfate is widely used as a tocolytic agent in the hope of preventing spontaneous preterm birth, there is a paucity of data from large well-designed randomized clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of magnesium sulfate therapy. Given the potential for untoward side effects and the inherent risks of magnesium sulfate therapy, a thorough understanding of the potential risks and benefits of this agent is needed. To accomplish this understanding we have provided a detailed review the history, pharmacology, physiology, maternal/fetal side effects, and tocolytic efficacy of magnesium sulfate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Research in Women's Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35249-7333, USA. ramsey_patrick@hotmail.com
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Rouse
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate