Can magnesium sulfate be combined with other preterm labor drugs?
Yes, but there have been some complications. Magnesium sulfate, when combined with nifedipine, can cause neuromuscular blockade (muscular paralysis). When combined with ritodrine or terbutaline, it can greatly increase the risk of severe complications – including pulmonary edema and cardiovascular complications. A study of asthmatics found that combining magnesium sulfate and terbutaline increased terbutaline’s cardiovascular side effects.