N
The Daily Insight

Why do we give magnesium sulfate in asthma?

Author

Emma Johnson

Updated on April 19, 2026

Intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion has been advocated in the past for the treatment of acute asthma. Magnesium can relax smooth muscle and hence may cause bronchodilation by competing with calcium at calcium-mediated smooth muscle ̶ binding sites.

When should asthmatics take magnesium sulphate?

Intravenous magnesium sulphate should only be prescribed in acute severe asthma unresponsive to nebulised bronchodilators and life threatening asthma (See flowchart on page 3). Care should be taken in patients with renal failure.

How does magnesium help with asthma?

Magnesium may help stop an asthma attack by: Relaxing and opening your airways. Calming inflammation in your airways. Blocking chemicals that cause muscle spasms.

How do you give MgSO4 to asthmatics?

Patients in these studies were classified as having moderate to severe asthma, and magnesium sulfate doses ranged from 25 to 100 mg/kg/dose. Following the practice of the earlier studies, the magnesium sulfate for these patients was given as a single dose over a period of either 20 or 35 minutes.

Is magnesium Glycinate good for asthma?

Magnesium is an excellent treatment for asthma because it is a bronchodilator and an antihistamine, naturally reducing histamine levels in the body. It has a calming effect on the muscles of the bronchial tubes and the whole body.

Does magnesium help shortness of breath?

Magnesium sulfate is a bronchodilator. It relaxes the bronchial muscles and expands the airways, allowing more air to flow in and out of the lungs. This can relieve symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath.

Can magnesium give you shortness of breath?

Even a moderate magnesium overdose may cause a drop in blood pressure in those with kidney disease. Other possible serious symptoms include difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and mental confusion. Serious cases of magnesium overdose may cause cardiac arrest.

Is magnesium supplement good for lungs?

Studies have also shown that magnesium supplementation may help protect against lung function loss in people with COPD and lung cancer ( 36 , 37 ). Taking magnesium supplements can help support healthy magnesium levels.

What is the best supplement for asthma?

Magnesium is also the go-to for medical experts in treating asthma. The mineral relaxes inflamed bronchial muscles, helping air to flow efficiently. About 50% of persons in the US are not getting the required daily dose of magnesium. And research shows persons with asthma have even lower levels.

Does magnesium Glycinate help with breathing?

It’s possible that magnesium may help stop an asthma attack by: relaxing and dilating your airways. reducing inflammation in your airways.

How does magnesium sulfate treat asthma?

You may receive magnesium sulfate intravenously, which means through an IV, or through a nebulizer, which is a type of inhaler. According to a research review published in the journal , evidence suggests that magnesium sulfate is useful for treating severe asthma attacks when people receive it through an IV.

Is magnesium sulfate good for asthma?

Magnesium isn’t a recommended first-line treatment for asthma. But if you use it with other medications, magnesium sulfate may help stop an acute asthma attack. Some people also take magnesium supplements as part of their daily routine. If you go to the emergency room with a severe asthma attack, you may receive magnesium sulfate to help stop it.

What is the dosage of magnesium for asthma?

Research suggests that adults with mild to moderate asthma may benefit from taking magnesium supplements. Supplementation with magnesium citrate at a dose of 340 mg/d for over 6 months resulted in improvements in ability to move air in and out of lungs, asthma control, and quality of life.