Magnesium Sulfate Drip Calculator
Calculate loading and maintenance rates for MgSO4 drips in preeclampsia/eclampsia.
Typical: 4-6 g
Typical: 15-30 min
Typical: 1-2 g/hr
e.g. 20 g / 500 mL = 0.04 g/mL
Loading Rate
300 mL/hr
Run for 20 minutes, then switch to maintenance
Maintenance Rate
50 mL/hr
Continue until discontinued by provider
Step-by-step
- 1.Loading: 4g over 20 min
- 2.Volume for loading: 4 ÷ 0.04 = 100 mL
- 3.Loading rate: 100 mL ÷ 20 min × 60 = 300 mL/hr
- 4.Maintenance: 2 g/hr
- 5.Maintenance rate: 2 ÷ 0.04 = 50 mL/hr
Mag Sulfate is a HIGH ALERT medication. Monitor closely for signs of toxicity: loss of deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), respiratory depression (<12/min), urine output <30 mL/hr. Antidote: Calcium gluconate 1 g IV over 3 minutes.
Monitoring checklist: Check DTRs q1h, respiratory rate q1h, I&O q1h, and serum Mg levels as ordered (therapeutic: 4-7 mg/dL for preeclampsia). Hold infusion and notify provider if DTRs absent, RR <12, or UO <30 mL/hr.
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For educational purposes only. Always verify calculations with clinical references and institutional protocols.