Over the years, IV magnesium has been studied for the treatment of rapid AF in several clinical situations, most prominently in post-cardiac surgery patients. However, there are also studies in ED and cardiology patients, both as a primary therapy and as an adjunct. In fact, two meta-analyses from 2007 evaluated the data (mostly the same studies). Both concluded that magnesium is safe and effective in controlling ventricular rate in rapid AF compared to placebo, the latter in patients also receiving digoxin. A closer look at the meta-analyses reveals that the positive rate-control effect for magnesium seems to be driven by the placebo-controlled trials.

Read More