What medication is commonly used to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia?

Magnesium sulfate is a medication commonly used to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often following the 20th week of pregnancy. One of the severe complications of preeclampsia can be the development of seizures, termed eclampsia.

Magnesium sulfate works as a central nervous system depressant, helping to stabilize neuronal activity and reduce the likelihood of seizures. It is administered intravenously or intramuscularly in a hospital setting, and monitoring of the patient is crucial due to the potential side effects and the need for dosage adjustments based on the patient's response.

This medication has also shown benefits in improving outcomes for the mother and the fetus if given in a timely manner before the onset of seizures. The use of magnesium sulfate is based on established clinical guidelines and is widely accepted as the standard of care in treating patients with preeclampsia at risk for seizures.

Other medications like diazepam are generally not preferred for seizure prevention in this context, while labetalol is primarily used for managing hypertension associated with preeclampsia rather than seizure control. Pregabalin, though it is