[Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of magnesium (author's transl)]

A dose-dependent fall in diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, systolic pressure, inhibition of neuromuscular transmission and blockade of sympathetic ganglia could be demonstrated during infusion of magnesium in animal experiments. In sighting trials in two clinically healthy subjects, suggestions of a phasic course for plasma Mg were found, with a minimum in the morning. After administration of magnesium asparate hydrochloride in enteric coated capsules, the plasma Mg rose, depending on the dose, with a maximum at 3.7 hours. Raising the plasma Mg over 24 hours is possible with a total dose of 9 mg/kg Mg, divided into two or three doses daily. For reasons of absorption and better tolerance, division into three doses seems more advantageous.