Locations:

Sodium Sulfate; Magnesium Sulfate; Potassium Chloride Tablets

What is this medication?

SODIUM SULFATE; MAGNESIUM SULFATE; POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (SODIUM SUL fate; mag NEE zee um SUL fate; poe TASS i um klor ide) cleans the bowel out before a medical procedure. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): SUTAB

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Dehydration
  • Diet low in salt
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Gout
  • Heart disease
  • High or low levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium in the blood
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Kidney disease
  • Seizures
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • Withdrawing from alcohol or benzodiazepine use
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. Your care team will tell you what time to start this medication. Do not skip a dose or stop your medication early.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Take other medications that you take by mouth at a different time of day than this medication. Take this medication at least 1 hour after taking your other medications. Some medications may need to be separated by longer. Talk to your pharmacist about when to take your medications.

You will need to follow a special diet before your procedure. Talk to your care team. You may drink clear liquids while taking this medication and up until 2 hours before the colonoscopy.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Other laxatives

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline
  • Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
  • Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Digoxin
  • Diuretics
  • Iron
  • Medications for seizures
  • NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Penicillamine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

You will need to follow a special diet before your procedure. Talk to your care team.

Talk to your care team if you are not able to complete the regimen as prescribed.

Do not use with any other laxatives. Drink fluids as directed to prevent dehydration. See your care team right away if you do not have a bowel movement after using this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Seizures
  • Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Bloating
  • Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after your medical procedure.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medications to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If your cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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