Intravenous infusions of magnesium-containing solutions were routinely applied in Russia as treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other alcohol-related conditions. However, this indiscriminate approach is unfounded and may cause more harm than benefit. Magnesium deficiency is associated with certain circulatory, neuropsychiatric and metabolic conditions. The frequency of hypomagnesemia is enhanced in cases of chronic alcoholism. However, moderate deficiency does not necessarily require parenteral magnesium supplementation. Iatrogenic hypermagnesemia is associated with adverse effects. Endovascular manipulations in conditions of suboptimal procedural quality assurance can cause transmission of viral hepatitis. To decide if an intravenous magnesium supplementation is indicated, it should first be determined whether there is a deficiency and, if so, whether it can be compensated by diet or by oral intake of magnesium-containing drugs.
Acknowledgments
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Funding
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Conflict of interest
The author has no conflict of interests related to this publication.
Author contributions
Single author (SVJ): Concept and design, writing, and approval of the manuscript.
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