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). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — CORROBORATED 2026-08-06 by independent literature: Magnesium therapy in a hypocalcemic African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). (Journal of avian medicine and surgery, 2012). doi:10.1647/2009-021.1. https://doi.org/10.1647/2009-021.1. 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. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. 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, held copy; the original seed cited the 9th, which was never consulted) — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.791-792 (corpus PDF p.818-819), Magnesium, IV monograph, Dosages [LOCATOR CORRECTED 2026-08-12 — the clause previously here named the Magnesium Hydroxide monograph, an oral antacid]; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — figure located 2026-08-05 at Plumb's 10th ed printed p.792, Magnesium, IV monograph; the page cited previously does not carry it. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
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, held copy; the original seed cited the 9th, which was never consulted) — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.791-792 (corpus PDF p.818-819), Magnesium, IV monograph, Dosages [LOCATOR CORRECTED 2026-08-12 — the clause previously here named the Magnesium Hydroxide monograph, an oral antacid]; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — figure located 2026-08-05 at Plumb's 10th ed printed p.792, Magnesium, IV monograph; the page cited previously does not carry it. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.15–0.3 mEq/kg | Slow IV over 5-15 min (arrhythmia) or 10-20 min | Moderate |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.