Mag Sulfate and Acute Asthma

[Canmedic]

I'm wondering what experience other medics out there have with MgSo4 and acute asthma attacks...I'm interested in hearing about cases, side effects, results, etc. other than from a textbook. It seems to be gaining popularity, although we don't have it implemented in our protocols here yet.

Mike Kesthely
FF/EMT-P
Lethbridge Fire Dept.

[This message has been edited by Canmedic (edited October 02, 2000).]

[kmnader]

I have been using Mag Sulfate for asthmatics for about 2 years now. It is not in our protocols but I have to call the ER physician to get an order for it. Most of the time we do not get orders to give it unless I paint a good picture of a severe asthmatic to the ER physician. Depending what DOC is on we get the order or not. I have seen it work in severe asthma patients and it works great. Honestly I have only given it about 15-20 times in the last two years, but some of the other guys at my station on other shifts are giving it too. I can say for sure we have not had any adverse reactions yet and this is out of about probably 40-50 patients so far.

Kris

[emsbrando]

kmnader:

I read on an EMS listserve awhile back and saw that many across the country were using it. I tried to get our Medical Director to get us to use it and he wanted to see some "journal" articles on the subject. Do you know where I can find some articles on Mag sulfate usage in asthma? I really want us to start with this, everyone says it works great, especially on refractory asthma.

Thanks,

Ed Brando

[kmnader]

I will look into this for you ASAP.

Kris

[emsbrando]

I appreciate that Kris.

Ed Brando

[festerfireman]

Please post related articles and where I can find these articles. This is the first I have heard of using Mag. for asthma. I am very interested in finding out more about the use of Mag. for asthma.
Thanks...

Stay Safe.

[super nurse]

I am surprised that more EMS agencies are not using this drug. It is used frequently in the ER for acute exacerbation of asthma. I have seen it save many people from buying a tube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ALSfirefighter]

I really like this post. I also have heard much about this topic but have not used or seen Mag Sulfate used in an asthma case. Can anyone please post approx. how long you see results once administered. We also have it as a medical control option. With the short txp times I usually have I do not get past the SQ epi or Breathine phase. I have had fantastic results with the Breathine. Which I also like for older patients do to the lesser amount of cardiac stimulation then with epi. Anyone who could give me some input I would appreciate it. Be safe all!!!

[Paramark14]

We can give mag. sulfate for refractory asthma by MC only. One of our ED docs always hangs a bag on asthma pts. who have had a moderate to severe attack. He infuses 1 gm over 30 minutes. He says that a lot of asthmatics will have a reoccurence of symptoms within 12-24 hrs. and the mag. helps to prevent that. I'll ask him if he can give me some ref. on it.

Mark
NREMTP
Indiana