What is the treatment for magnesium sulfate toxicity?

In cases of magnesium sulfate toxicity, the administration of calcium gluconate is an effective treatment. Magnesium sulfate can cause cardiovascular and neuromuscular toxicity when serum magnesium levels become excessively high, leading to symptoms such as respiratory depression, hypotension, and cardiac conduction disturbances. Calcium acts as a physiological antagonist to magnesium and can help stabilize the cellular membranes affected by high magnesium levels. By providing calcium gluconate, healthcare providers can help counteract the neurological and cardiac effects of magnesium overload, effectively protecting the heart and respiratory system from the dangers of toxicity.

In contrast, other options listed do not have the same efficacy in reversing magnesium toxicity. Nifedipine and terbutaline, both being medications used to manage different medical conditions (nifedipine for hypertension and terbutaline for bronchospasm), do not counteract the effects of magnesium toxicity. Potassium carbonate does not address the imbalance created by elevated magnesium levels and may actually exacerbate complications. Therefore, calcium gluconate stands out as the appropriate and effective choice for treating magnesium sulfate toxicity.