ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/magnesium-sulfate
US brand names:MgSO4, Epsom Salt(injectable)
Magnesium Sulfate is dosed at 20 mg/kg IM once in african grey parrots, per 478. Kirchgessner MS, Tully TN, Nevarez J, et al. Magnesium therapy in a hypocalcemic African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). J Avian Med Surg. 2012;26(1):17-21. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.476 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.11 (Nutritional/Mineral Support and Supplementation Used in Birds). — CORROBORATED 2026-08-06 by independent literature: Magnesium therapy in a hypocalcemic African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). (Journal of avian medicine and surgery, 2012). The paper reports this drug at this dose in this species: "upplementation for 4 days. Baseline magnesium levels in this parrot were determined to be 1.9 […]". This is a second source alongside the book already cited; it corroborates the figure and does not by itself establish that the dose is correct. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Essential electrolyte. Blocks neuromuscular transmission, stabilizes cardiac membranes, and causes smooth muscle relaxation. Cofactor for 300+ enzymes.
Treatment for hypomagnesemia, torsades de pointes, and eclampsia. Slow IV infusion. Respiratory depression at high levels. Monitor ECG and reflexes. Antidote: calcium gluconate.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Magnesium Sulfate CRI dose rule from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 0.15–0.3 mEq/kgCRI over 24h | Hypomagnesemia, refractory seizures | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.791-792, Magnesium, IV monograph, Dosages. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.792, Magnesium, IV monograph.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Hypomagnesemia, refractory seizures
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 0.15–0.3 mEq/kg | CRI over 24h | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.791-792, Magnesium, IV monograph, Dosages. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.792, Magnesium, IV monograph.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.15–0.3 mEq/kg | Slow IV over 5-15 min (arrhythmia) or 10-20 min | Moderate | Plumb's 10th ed printed p.791-792, Magnesium, IV monograph, Dosages.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.