The effect of parenterally infused MgSO4 on symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, heart rate and blood pressure was investigated in 5 subjects with a DSM-III diagnosis of alcohol dependence admitted to a substance abuse treatment unit in a community hospital.
Drug consisting of 4 gms
MgSO4 or placebo was administered in a vehicle consisting of 100 cc of
NS. Subjects reaching a CIWA-A withdrawal score of 15 had vital signs
recorded, then drug and placebo solution were infused in random order.
10 min. after the end of each infusion, parameters of interest were
collected. They are compared below:
Results show that MgSO4 infusion produces a significant attenuation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Diastolic blood pressure also decreased, suggesting further studies of MgSO4 therapy in alcohol withdrawal related hypertension.