Magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulfate (commonly called Epsom salts in hydrated form) is a chemical compound with formula MgSO4.7H2O
Epsom salt was originally prepared by boiling down mineral waters at Epsom, England and afterwards prepared from sea water. In more recent times, these salts are obtained from certain minerals such as siliceous hydrate of magnesia. It is used as a therapeutic bath, taken orally as a laxative, and to treat heartburn or constipation, and injected to prevent seizures (especially eclampsia, for which it is the most effective therapy). Magnesium sulfate reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholine release at the myoneural junction. In emergency care, magnesium sulfate is used as a bronchodilator after beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents have been tried.