Are magnesium injections effective for treating muscle spasms?

From the Guidelines

Magnesium shots can be effective for treating severe muscle spasms, but they are typically reserved for hospital settings under medical supervision. For acute severe spasms, magnesium sulfate may be administered intravenously at doses of 2 grams infused during 2 hours, as described in a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1. These injections work by relaxing muscles through magnesium's role as a natural calcium channel blocker, which reduces muscle cell excitability and promotes relaxation. However, magnesium injections carry risks including hypotension, flushing, and respiratory depression, especially at higher doses.

Key Considerations

• The use of magnesium injections for muscle spasms is generally recommended in a clinical setting, where the patient can be closely monitored for potential side effects.
• Oral magnesium supplements, such as magnesium citrate, glycinate, or malate, are often a safer first option for treating muscle spasms, with doses ranging from 200-400mg daily.
• It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment for muscle spasms, as they can recommend the best course of action based on the cause and severity of the symptoms.

Important Safety Information

• Magnesium injections should not be self-administered due to the risk of adverse effects, such as hypotension, flushing, and respiratory depression.
• Patients should be aware of the potential side effects of magnesium injections and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any unusual symptoms.

Clinical Evidence

• A study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1 found that magnesium injections can be effective in treating erythromelalgia, a condition characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet.
• The study recommended that magnesium treatment be initiated at the recommended daily allowance and increased gradually, according to tolerance, to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

From the FDA Drug Label

Magnesium prevents or controls convulsions by blocking neuromuscular transmission and decreasing the amount of acetylcholine liberated at the end-plate by the motor nerve impulse. Predominant deficiency effects are neurological, e.g., muscle irritability, clonic twitching and tremors. Pharmacokinetics With IV administration the onset of anticonvulsant action is immediate and lasts about 30 minutes

Magnesium shots can be used to treat spasms. The drug label states that magnesium prevents or controls convulsions by blocking neuromuscular transmission, which can help alleviate muscle spasms. Additionally, the label mentions that magnesium can help with neurological effects such as muscle irritability and clonic twitching, which are related to spasms. The onset of anticonvulsant action is immediate with IV administration, making it a potentially effective treatment for spasms 2.

• Key benefits: immediate onset of action, effective in preventing or controlling convulsions and spasms
• Important consideration: effective anticonvulsant serum levels range from 2.5 to 7.5 mEq/L, and high levels can be toxic 2

From the Research

Magnesium Shots for Spasms

• Magnesium sulfate has been used to control muscle spasms and severe generalized rigidity in patients with tetanus 3.
• A systematic review found that magnesium sulfate was effective in reducing spasms along with diazepam, leading to better control of dysautonomia, reduced need for mechanical ventilation, and shorter hospital stay 4.
• Magnesium sulfate has also been compared to diazepam for the treatment of eclampsia, with results showing a reduction in maternal death and recurrence of seizures 5, 6.
• The use of magnesium sulfate for muscle spasms and rigidity has been recommended, provided that the patient's neurologic, cardiovascular, and respiratory status can be closely monitored 3.
• Skeletal muscle relaxants, including magnesium sulfate, have been used to treat spasticity and musculoskeletal conditions, with varying degrees of efficacy and safety 7.

Efficacy and Safety

• Magnesium sulfate has been shown to be effective in reducing muscle spasms and improving outcomes in patients with tetanus and eclampsia 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The safety of magnesium sulfate has been evaluated, with a low incidence of adverse effects, including magnesium toxicity 4.
• The use of magnesium sulfate has been associated with a reduction in maternal death and recurrence of seizures in patients with eclampsia 5, 6.

Clinical Applications

• Magnesium sulfate may be considered as a treatment option for patients with muscle spasms and rigidity, particularly in cases where other treatments are not effective or are contraindicated 3, 4.
• The use of magnesium sulfate for spasticity and musculoskeletal conditions may be considered, although the evidence is limited and more research is needed to fully evaluate its efficacy and safety 7.