Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Note on this source. The FDA label used for this page covers a combination product listed as Sodium Sulfate, Potassium Sulfate And Magnesium Sulfate. The information below therefore describes that product, not Sodium Sulfate on its own. Check the label of the specific product you have.
Quick facts
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 1120068
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution is indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adult patients. Pediatric use information is approved for Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s SUPREP BOWEL PREP KIT (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate) oral solution. However, due to Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution is an osmotic laxative indicated for cleansing of the colon in preparation for colonoscopy in adult patients. ( 1 )
About this medicine
Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate oral solution (for adults) is an osmotic laxative and is provided as two bottles each containing 6 ounces of solution. Each bottle contains: 17.5 grams sodium sulfate, 3.13 grams potassium sulfate, and 1.6 grams magnesium sulfate. Inactive ingredients include: art cherry flavor, citric acid, dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, malic acid, monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, purified water, sodium benzoate, sucralose. Sodium Sulfate, USP The chemical name is Na 2 SO 4 . The average Molecular Weight is 142.04. The structural formula is: Potassium Sulfate, FCC, purified The chemical name is K 2 SO 4 . The average Molecular Weight is 174.26. The structural formula is: Magnesium Sulfate, USP The chemical name is MgSO 4 . The average Molecular Weight: 120.37. The structural formula is: Each sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate oral solution also contains a polypropylene mixing container. Pediatric use information is approved for Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s SUPREP BOWEL PREP KIT (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate) oral solution. However, due to Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. spm-sodium-sulfate-stru spm-potassium-sulfate-stru spm-magnesium-sulfate-stru
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Sulfate salts provide sulfate anions, which are poorly absorbed. The osmotic effect of unabsorbed sulfate anions and the associated cations causes water to be retained within the gastrointestinal tract.
Who should not take it
Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution is contraindicated in the following conditions: Gastrointestinal obstruction or ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Bowel perforation [see Warnings and Precaution ( 5.6 )] Toxic colitis or toxic megacolon Gastric retention Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution Gastrointestinal obstruction or ileus ( 4 , 5.6 ) Bowel perforation ( 4 , 5.6 ) Toxic colitis or toxic megacolon ( 4 ) Gastric retention ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to any ingredient ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
Risk of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities: Encourage adequate hydration, assess concurrent medications, and consider laboratory assessments prior to and after each use. ( 5.1 , 7.1 ) Cardiac arrhythmias: Consider pre-dose and post-colonoscopy ECGs in patients at increased risk. ( 5.2 ) Seizures: Use caution in patients with a history of seizures and patients at increased risk of seizures, including medications that lower the seizure threshold. ( 5.3 , 7.1 ) Patients with renal impairment or taking concomitant medications that affect renal function: Use caution, ensure adequate hydration and consider laboratory testing. ( 5.4 , 7.1 ) Suspected GI obstruction or perforation: Rule out the diagnosis before administration. ( 4 , 5.6 ) Patients at risk for aspiration: Observe during administration. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Serious Fluid and Serum Chemistry Abnormalities Advise all patients to hydrate adequately before, during, and after the use of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution. If a patient develops significant vomiting or signs of dehydration after taking sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution, consider performing post-colonoscopy lab tests (electrolytes, creatinine, and BUN). Fluid and electrolyte disturbances can lead to serious adverse events including cardiac arrhythmias, seizures and renal impairment. Correct fluid and electrolyte abnormalities before treatment with sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution. Use sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution with caution in patients with conditions, or who are using medications, that increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte disturbances or may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and renal impairment [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution can cause temporary elevations in uric acid [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Uric acid fluctuations in patients with gout may precipitate an acute flare. […]
Reported side effects
The following important adverse reactions for bowel preparations are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Fluid and Serum Chemistry Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Cardiac Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Use in Patients with Risk of Renal Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Colonic Mucosal Ulceration and Ischemic Colitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Patients with Significant Gastrointestinal Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Aspiration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Most common adverse reactions are: Adults (>2%): overall discomfort, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ascend Laboratories, LLC at 1-877-272-7901 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adults The safety of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution was evaluated in a multi-center, randomized, active controlled trial in 379 adult patients undergoing colonoscopy [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Most Common Adverse Reactions Table 1 shows the most common adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution or the control (a bowel prep containing polyethylene glycol and electrolytes (PEG + E)) administered in split-dose (2-day) regimens. […]
Interactions with other medicines
Drugs that increase risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. ( 7.1 ) Pediatric use information is approved for Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s SUPREP BOWEL PREP KIT (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate) oral solution. However, due to Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. 7.1 Drugs That May Increase Risk of Fluid and Electrolyte Abnormalities Use caution when prescribing sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution to patients taking medications that increase the risk of fluid and electrolyte disturbances or may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and prolonged QT in the setting of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 )] . 7.2 Potential for Reduced Drug Absorption Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution can reduce the absorption of other co-administered drugs [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . Administer oral medications at least one hour before starting each dose of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution. Administer tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, iron, digoxin, chlorpromazine, and penicillamine at least 2 hours before and not less than 6 hours after administration of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution to avoid chelation with magnesium. 7.3 Stimulant Laxatives Concurrent use of stimulant laxatives and sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution may increase the risk of mucosal ulceration or ischemic colitis. Avoid use of stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) while taking sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] .
Use in specific groups
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug- associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data available data on the presence of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age have not been established. Pediatric use information is approved for Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s SUPREP BOWEL PREP KIT (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate) oral solution. However, due to Braintree Laboratories, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 375 patients who received sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution in clinical trials, 94 (25%) were 65 years of age or older, and 25 (7%) were 75 years of age or older. […]
If too much is taken
Overdosage of more than the recommended dose of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate oral solution may lead to severe electrolyte disturbances, as well as dehydration and hypovolemia, with signs and symptoms of these disturbances. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 )] . Monitor for fluid and electrolyte disturbances and treat symptomatically.
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 28 March 2024. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.