Magnesium Sulfate/l-tryptophan
General Drug Information and Indications
Combination supplement providing magnesium (muscle relaxant/calming) and L-tryptophan (serotonin precursor) for management of stress, anxiety, and muscle tension in horses.
Inorganic salt providing magnesium (Mg2+) and sulfate. Mechanism: Mg2+ is essential cofactor for >300 enzymatic reactions; inhibits neuromuscular transmission (calcium antagonist at NMJ → muscle relaxation); reduces uterine contractility (tocolysis); high oral doses draw water into colon (osmotic cathartic); topical (Epsom salts) draws edema fluid from hooves. IV infusion must be slow.
Key information
Oral supplement combination. Store at room temperature. Safe sedative/supplement combo for horses. Separate from medications that may interact with serotonergic pathways.
How to Give this Medication
IV: dilute (maximum 20% for IV use); administer slowly via CRI with ECG monitoring. Antidote (calcium gluconate IV) must be available. Oral cathartic: dissolve in water and administer orally. Topical (Epsom salts): dissolve in warm water; soak affected area or apply as poultice. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.
Side Effects
IV: hypotension, respiratory depression, neuromuscular blockade, cardiac arrest (overdose/rapid infusion — monitor calcium as antidote). Oral: diarrhea, dehydration (osmotic cathartic). Oral high dose in horses: abdominal cramping. Hypermagnesemia with impaired renal function.
Precautions
For animals
IV: administer slowly with ECG and respiratory monitoring — rapid infusion causes neuromuscular blockade, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest. Antidote: calcium gluconate IV. Oral cathartic: ensure adequate hydration. Reduce dose or extend interval in renal impairment. — use with caution (impaired Mg2+ excretion).
For people handling this medication
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Generally safe to handle. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Topical Epsom salt: safe for skin contact in dilute form.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Magnesium overdose causes respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Antidote: calcium gluconate by veterinary staff.
Magnesium Sulfate/l-tryptophan dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAGNESIUM SULFATE/L-TRYPTOPHAN 500 MG/100 MG PASTE - 60 ML | 500 MG/100 MG | Paste | 60 ML | Compound |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Compounding pharmacy formulation; Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)