Role of Magnesium as a Bronchodilator in Respiratory Conditions

Mechanism of Action and Use in Asthma

Magnesium causes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle independent of serum magnesium levels, providing a complementary bronchodilator effect to standard treatments 1
The American College of Cardiology is not relevant here, however, the standard adult dose of magnesium sulfate is 2g administered intravenously over 20 minutes, as recommended by medical guidelines 1, 2
IV magnesium sulfate moderately improves pulmonary function when combined with nebulized β-adrenergic agents and corticosteroids 1

For mild to moderate COPD exacerbations, standard treatment includes inhaled bronchodilators (β2-agonists and/or anticholinergics), as recommended by the European Respiratory Society 3, 4, 5
For acute exacerbations of COPD, nebulized salbutamol (2.5-5 mg) or terbutaline (5-10 mg) or ipratropium bromide (500 μg) should be given 4-6 hourly, according to medical guidelines 4
In more severe cases, combined nebulized treatment (β-agonist with ipratropium bromide) should be considered, as suggested by medical experts 4

For severe asthma exacerbations, administer 2g IV magnesium sulfate over 20 minutes, as recommended by medical guidelines 1
First administer standard bronchodilator therapy (β2-agonists, anticholinergics), as recommended by medical experts 1, 4