Which drug is kept at bedside to reverse magnesium sulfate toxicity?

Which drug is kept at bedside to reverse magnesium sulfate toxicity?

• A. Protamine sulfate
• B. Calcium chloride
• C. Calcium gluconate
• D. Potassium chloride

Answer: (C)

Magnesium sulfate toxicity is treated with a calcium antidote to reverse the magnesium effects on neuromuscular transmission and the heart. Calcium gluconate provides calcium to counter the excess magnesium at the neuromuscular junction and in cardiac tissue, helping restore reflexes, breathing, and stable rhythm quickly. That’s why it’s kept at the bedside—so you can administer IV calcium promptly if signs of toxicity appear (like diminished reflexes or respiratory depression). Protamine sulfate reverses heparin, calcium chloride is another calcium option but calcium gluconate is the standard bedside antidote, and potassium chloride has no role here.

Magnesium sulfate toxicity is treated with a calcium antidote to reverse the magnesium effects on neuromuscular transmission and the heart. Calcium gluconate provides calcium to counter the excess magnesium at the neuromuscular junction and in cardiac tissue, helping restore reflexes, breathing, and stable rhythm quickly. That’s why it’s kept at the bedside—so you can administer IV calcium promptly if signs of toxicity appear (like diminished reflexes or respiratory depression). Protamine sulfate reverses heparin, calcium chloride is another calcium option but calcium gluconate is the standard bedside antidote, and potassium chloride has no role here.