ECG monitoring, vital signs, deep tendon reflexes; magnesium concentrations if frequent or extended dose is necessary, especially in individuals with renal impairment; calcium and potassium concentrations; renal function tests. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in infants and children with severe acute malnutrition. It has also been shown to be effective in preventing further seizures after a previous episode in this population. Magnesium sulfate may also be given for other conditions such as pre-term labor, prevention of migraine headaches, prevention of recurrent nerve paralysis (after heart surgery), treatment of bladder spasms associated with spinal cord injury, and control of abnormal muscle contractions associated with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Children and adults can become dehydrated and require additional water to maintain healthy body functions. In these cases, patients should be advised to drink sufficient fluids to ensure they do not become dehydrated. The most common side effects of magnesium sulfate are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased risk of urinary tract infections, decreased appetite, flushing/hot flashes, headache, drowsiness, rash, irritability, difficulty breathing (especially at night), rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). These symptoms usually go away after the drug is stopped; however, low blood levels of magnesium may cause some people to have these symptoms even after they stop taking the drug.