What medication is commonly used to prevent seizures in pre-eclampsia?

Magnesium is commonly used to prevent seizures in pre-eclampsia due to its neuroprotective properties. In pre-eclampsia, there is an increased risk of seizures, termed eclampsia, which can have serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant and helps to reduce the excitability of neurons, thereby lowering the risk of seizure activity. It has been established through clinical guidelines that magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for seizure prophylaxis in women with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

While calcium plays an important role in several physiological processes, including muscle contractions and neurotransmitter releases, it is not routinely used for seizure prevention in pre-eclampsia. Labetalol, on the other hand, is an antihypertensive medication used to manage high blood pressure in pregnant women but does not have a role in seizure prevention. Sodium, while essential in the body, does not provide protective effects against seizures in the context of pre-eclampsia. Thus, magnesium sulfate emerges as the clear and effective choice for preventing seizures in this clinical scenario.