A single dose toxicity study of magnesium sulfate in rats and dogs

Abstract

A single dose toxicity study of magnesium sulfate by intravenous administration was conducted in rats and dogs. The results are summarized in the following. Magnesium sulfate was administered once at dose levels of 90, 130, 200, 300 and 450 mg/kg to Crj:CD(SD) rats at 6 weeks of age. Deaths occurred in the 200 mg/kg and above groups in both sexes. The LD50 values were 206 mg/kg for males and 174 mg/kg for females. In the surviving animals, in the 130 mg/kg and above groups, tonic convulsions, abnormal gait and tachypnea were seen. However, these signs disappeared gradually and all animals returned to a normal state by 15 min after dosing. There were no treatment-related changes in the body weight or gross pathology. Magnesium sulfate was infused for 6 hr at dose levels of 75, 300 and 1200 mg/kg(12.5, 50 and 200 mg/kg/hr) to female beagle dogs at 6 months of age. No deaths were observed in any of the dose groups and it was considered that the lethal dose level would be higher than 1200 mg/kg(200 mg/kg/hr). In the 1200 mg/kg group, vomiting, decreased spontaneous movement, staggering gait, prone position and flush of the conjunctiva and ear auricles were seen. However, these signs disappeared gradually and animals returned to a normal state by 1 hr after dosing. There were no treatment-related changes in the body weight, food consumption or gross pathology.