Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of three different regimens of magnesium sulfate therapy in patients with antepartum eclampsia.

Methods: A total of 66 consecutive antepartum eclampsia cases were recruited to the study. First 26 patients received standard Pritchard regimen (group I), next 20 patients received low dose (4 g i.v. loading dose continued with 2 g i.m. every 3 h) magnesium sulfate (group II), and the last 20 patients received single loading dose (4 g i.v. and 5 g i.m. only) magnesium sulfate (group III).

Results: Maternal and fetal outcome was comparable in all the three groups. Low dose and single dose groups were associated with significantly lower toxicity related with magnesium sulfate.

Conclusions: Low dose magnesium sulfate regimens might provide less toxicity with improved neonatal outcome without significant adverse effect in control of eclamptic convulsions.