Magnesium Sulfate: Recommendation against Prolonged Use in Preterm Labor

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising clinicians against using magnesium sulfate injections for more than five to seven days to stop preterm labor in pregnant women. According to a May 30, 2013, FDA safety alert, injections of magnesium sulfate to pregnant women for longer than five to seven days may lead to low calcium levels and bone problems in the developing fetus, including thin bones and fractures. FDA states that the shortest duration of treatment that could harm the baby is unknown.