Synergistic effect of nifedipine and magnesium sulfate causing symptomatic hypocalcemia in a preeclamptic patient

Abstract

Magnesium sulfate has an established role as an anticonvulsant. Hypocalcemia with magnesium sulfate therapy is a well-known complication but rarely encountered in clinical practice. Concurrent use of nifedipine may unmask hypocalcemia in these patients. The resulting hypocalcemia can lead to acute cardiac events endangering patient's life.

Keywords

• Nifedipine
• magnesium sulfate
• hypocalcemia
• preeclampsia