What is the antidote for magnesium toxicity?

• A. Calcium gluconate
• B. Atropine
• C. Acetylcysteine
• D. Potassium chloride

Answer: (A)

The antidote for magnesium toxicity is calcium gluconate. Magnesium is a vital electrolyte that helps regulate various body functions, but in excessive amounts, it can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity can include decreased respiratory function, hypotension, and cardiac arrest, among others.

Calcium gluconate acts as a competitive antagonist to magnesium at the neuromuscular junction and stabilizes the cardiac membrane, thereby counteracting the effects of high magnesium levels. By providing calcium, it helps to restore normal neuromuscular activity and prevent complications associated with magnesium toxicity.

Other options, such as atropine, acetylcysteine, and potassium chloride, do not address magnesium toxicity specifically and serve unrelated purposes in medical treatment. For instance, atropine is used primarily for bradycardia, acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, and potassium chloride is used to treat hypokalemia. Therefore, calcium gluconate is the specific and appropriate antidote for magnesium toxicity.