Reply to: Magnesium sulphate intravenously reduces tachycardia side-effects of β₂-agonists

Reply to: W.F.S. Sellers and M.F.M. James:

We thank W.F.S. Sellers and M.F.M. James for their correspondence in response to our review on the use of intravenous magnesium sulphate in acute asthma in childhood [1] and welcome their comments. Salbutamol induced tachycardia and palpitations are a concern in younger children when treated with large doses of salbutamol [2]. Emphasising the effect that magnesium has on reducing this tachycardia is important. We were aware of the lack of evidence for the 20-min infusion rate but did not mention it in the paper. Recognising that it is safe and may have a greater effect if delivered at a greater speed will be useful for further development of randomised controlled acute asthma in childhood studies. This illustrates how important it is to share experience across specialties.