Magnesium is a powerful anti-arrhythmic drug . It has a well established role in controlling VT when administered Intravenously especially in polymorphic VT .
Mechanism of action
- It acts at the cell membrane.
- It has a unique action of blocking calcium channels that reduces the number of oscillations of both early and late after potentials
Link for more on mechanism of action
https://drsvenkatesan.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/how-does-magnesium-acts-as-an-antiarrhythmic-drug/
How often cardiologists administer oral magnesium for long-term control of VT ?
As for as I know , no one uses it ! but dietary supplements are used for general well being .
Why ? Is it because
- Magnesium does not get absorbed in the gut
- Magnesium levels are un- predictable in plasma if administered orally
Answer : No one has really tried it as a chronic therapy in VT yet !
Final Message
Tablet Magnesium can give a tough fight to Amiodarone and Flecanaide in refractory VT at a fraction of the cost !
Who has the audacity to compare Magnesium with Amiodarone head on ?
Reference
Magnesium as health supplement .
Magnesium is available in tablet form as Malate , Stearate, Taurate and Aspartate along with calcium and Zinc etc .
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 