Which medication is commonly administered to manage severe preeclampsia?

Magnesium sulfate is the medication commonly administered to manage severe preeclampsia due to its efficacy in preventing seizures, which are a significant risk associated with this condition. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. Severe preeclampsia can lead to a life-threatening condition known as eclampsia, which involves the onset of seizures. Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant and is the drug of choice to help prevent these seizures.

In addition to its anticonvulsant properties, magnesium sulfate also has the benefit of helping to stabilize blood pressure in pregnant patients, making it a critical component of the management of severe cases of preeclampsia. The other medications listed do not have the same effectiveness in addressing the immediate risks associated with severe preeclampsia.