Sodium Phosphate
Sodium phosphate is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the small intestine, causing bowel distension and promoting peristalsis and evacuation. When used as a bowel prep, it requires drinking substantial amounts of water to maintain hydration. Due to risks of severe electrolyte imbalances and acute kidney injury (phosphate nephropathy), its oral use must be monitored closely, especially in patients with renal impairment, heart failure, or advanced age.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage depends heavily on the indication (constipation vs. bowel prep) and the route of administration (oral vs. rectal). Oral bowel preps are usually split into two doses taken with abundant clear liquids. Rectal enemas are administered as a single dose. Do not exceed recommended doses or use for more than 3 days for constipation without consulting a physician. Oral formulations are contraindicated in pediatric patients under 5 years, and rectal enemas are contraindicated in infants under 2 years.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Extremely high risk of severe electrolyte imbalance, seizures, and fatal dehydration in infants.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Avoid all forms of sodium phosphate laxatives in this weight group.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Oral and rectal formulations must be avoided due to the high risk of hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and acute renal failure.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Consult physician (Pediatric rectal enema may be used, typically 33 mL or half a pediatric bottle)
- Frequency
- Single dose only under medical supervision
- Tracking Notes
- Oral sodium phosphate is strictly contraindicated. Pediatric rectal enemas should only be used under direct medical guidance for children aged 2 to 5 years.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Consult physician (Pediatric rectal enema may be used, typically 66 mL or one pediatric bottle)
- Frequency
- Single dose only under medical supervision
- Tracking Notes
- Oral sodium phosphate is strictly contraindicated. Pediatric rectal enemas should only be used under direct medical supervision in this age/weight range.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Extremely high risk of severe electrolyte imbalance, seizures, and fatal dehydration in infants. |
| 5-7 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Avoid all forms of sodium phosphate laxatives in this weight group. |
| 8-10 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Oral and rectal formulations must be avoided due to the high risk of hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and acute renal failure. |
| 11-15 kg | Consult physician (Pediatric rectal enema may be used, typically 33 mL or half a pediatric bottle) | Single dose only under medical supervision | Oral sodium phosphate is strictly contraindicated. Pediatric rectal enemas should only be used under direct medical guidance for children aged 2 to 5 years. |
| 16-20 kg | Consult physician (Pediatric rectal enema may be used, typically 66 mL or one pediatric bottle) | Single dose only under medical supervision | Oral sodium phosphate is strictly contraindicated. Pediatric rectal enemas should only be used under direct medical supervision in this age/weight range. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as a saline laxative for short-term treatment of occasional constipation and as a bowel cleanser before medical procedures like a colonoscopy. It is also used as an electrolyte replenisher to treat hypophosphatemia.
Generic Name
Sodium PhosphateBranded Drug Names
Sodium Phosphate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.