Magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate is a chemical compound. It is a salt with the formula MgSO4, consisting of magnesium cations and sulfate anions. It is a white crystalline solid, soluble in water but not in ethanol. Magnesium sulfate can crystallize as several hydrates e.g. Monohydrate, MgSO4·H2O. The main use of magnesium sulfate is in agriculture, to correct soils deficient in magnesium (an essential plant nutrient). In the medicine the main external use is the formulation as bath salts, especially for foot baths to soothe sore feet. Magnesium sulfate may be administered by oral, respiratory, or intravenous routes. Internal uses include replacement therapy for magnesium deficiency, treatment of acute and severe arrhythmias, as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma, and preventing eclampsia. It is also used as a brewing salt in making beer.