Magnesium sulfate for conversion of supraventricular tachycardia refractory to intravenous adenosine

The use of magnesium sulfate infusion for the management of cardiac dysrhythmia has recently gained popularity. Magnesium sulfate has been advocated for the management of torsade de pointes and other ventricular dysrhythmias. We report the case of a 38-year-old firefighter with atrial tachycardia that was treated unsuccessfully according to Advanced Cardiac Life Support guidelines with IV adenosine. Subsequently, 2 g of magnesium sulfate was administered intravenously over 5 minutes with resulting conversion of the patients' supraventricular tachycardia to normal sinus rhythm, with complete resolution of symptoms.