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Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
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Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
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Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

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Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics01:19

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Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting
05:33

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting

Published on: August 4, 2023

Magnesium sulfate tocolysis: time to quit.

David A Grimes1, Kavita Nanda

  • 1Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. dgrimes@fhi.org

Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 3, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Intravenous magnesium sulfate is ineffective for preventing preterm birth and may increase pediatric mortality. This tocolytic therapy should be discontinued outside of clinical trials.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intravenous magnesium sulfate has been used as a tocolytic agent in North America despite questionable scientific evidence.
  • Its use gained prominence based on historical recommendations rather than robust clinical data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous magnesium sulfate as a tocolytic agent for preventing preterm birth.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of magnesium sulfate in obstetric practice.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature, including a Cochrane review, analyzing data on magnesium sulfate's tocolytic effects.
  • Assessment of clinical trial outcomes related to preterm birth prevention and pediatric mortality.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting
05:33

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting

Published on: August 4, 2023

Main Results:

  • Magnesium sulfate demonstrated no significant benefit in preventing preterm or very preterm birth.
  • A statistically significant increase in total pediatric mortality was observed in infants exposed to magnesium sulfate (RR 2.8; 95% CI 1.2-6.6).

Conclusions:

  • Intravenous magnesium sulfate is ineffective and potentially harmful as a tocolytic agent.
  • Its use should be limited to investigational settings with ethical oversight and informed consent.
  • Alternative tocolytic agents, such as nifedipine, are preferable.