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Can Fam Physician
Vol. 55, No. 9, September 2009, pp.887 - 889
Copyright © 2009 by The College of Family Physicians of Canada
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Child Health Update

Magnesium for treatment of asthma in children

Marcela Davalos Bichara and Ran D. Goldman, MD
Correspondence: Dr Ran D. Goldman, BC Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Room K4-226, Ambulatory Care Building, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4: telephone 604 875 2345, extension 5217; fax 604 875-2414; e-mailrgoldman{at}cw.bc.ca

QUESTION Magnesium is considered adjuvant therapy for moderate to severe asthma exacerbations in adults, but can it be used to treat children?

ANSWER Magnesium seems to be beneficial in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma in children. It is a safe drug to administer, but there have been minor side effects reported, such as epigastric or facial warmth, flushing, pain and numbness at the infusion site, dry mouth, malaise, and hypotension. Owing to its bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory effects, magnesium is an encouraging adjuvant therapy for pediatric patients who do not respond to conventional treatment in acute severe exacerbations. Future studies should focus on establishing the optimal dosage for maximal benefits and the best route of administration. Magnesium should also be considered as a prophylactic treatment.






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