What medication is used for seizure prophylaxis in eclampsia?

Magnesium sulfate is the medication of choice for seizure prophylaxis in patients with eclampsia. Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by the onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia, which involves hypertension and signs of end-organ dysfunction. The use of magnesium sulfate serves a dual purpose: it not only prevents seizures but also has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence of seizures in these patients.

Magnesium sulfate acts as a neuromuscular blocker and stabilizes neuromuscular excitability, which helps to prevent the development of seizures. Its efficacy and safety profile in pregnant women make it the preferred choice in managing eclampsia. It is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, and monitoring of maternal and fetal status is crucial.

While other medications listed may be effective in treating seizures generally, they are not recommended for eclampsia or seizure prophylaxis related to it. For instance, phenytoin is not typically utilized due to its limited effectiveness in this specific context, as well as concerns over adverse effects in pregnant patients. Levetiracetam and carbamazepine are also not standard treatments for seizure prophylaxis in eclampsia. Hence, magnesium sulfate stands