How is hypermagnesemia commonly treated?

Hypermagnesemia, defined as an elevated level of magnesium in the blood, can lead to various complications, including neuromuscular and cardiac disturbances. The most effective treatment for this condition focuses on restoring normal magnesium levels and alleviating the symptoms associated with high magnesium.

The administration of intravenous calcium is a key treatment in managing hypermagnesemia because calcium can help counteract the effects of elevated magnesium levels, particularly on neuromuscular function and cardiac stability. Calcium competes with magnesium at neuromuscular junctions and can help stabilize the cardiac membrane, which is essential given that hypermagnesemia can lead to decreased cardiac output and other serious cardiac issues.

In more severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to more effectively remove excess magnesium from the body, particularly in patients with renal impairment where the kidneys are unable to excrete sufficient amounts of magnesium. Combining calcium administration with dialysis can rapidly reduce magnesium levels and improve the patient’s condition.

The other options provided focus on increasing magnesium or addressing the balance of other electrolytes, which would not effectively manage hypermagnesemia and, in some cases, could exacerbate the condition.