Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates

Generic name: magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates [ mag-NEE-see-um, poe-TAS-ee-um, SOE-dee-um-SUL-fates ]
Brand names: Suprep Bowel Prep Kit, Suprep Bowel Prep Kit (obsolete)
Drug class: Laxatives

What is magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates?

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates are used in a laxative that works by increasing the amount of water in your intestines and helps your bowels to move more quickly.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates is a combination medicine used in adults to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not take magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines, slow digestion, colitis or toxic megacolon, or a perforated bowel.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• slow digestion;

• a perforated bowel; or

• colitis or toxic megacolon.

This medicine causes loose stools or diarrhea, which can also result in fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. This may be more likely if you have:

• kidney disease;

• heart disease; or

• if you take an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease;

• stomach problems;

• trouble swallowing, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, recent heart attack or heart surgery;

• a seizure disorder;

• gout;

• recent withdrawal from drug or alcohol addiction; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium, sodium, phosphorous, or magnesium in your blood).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 5 years old without medical advice.

How should I take magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. You may need to use 2 bottles to get your entire dose.

This medicine must be mixed (diluted) with water before you take it. Drinking the undiluted solution out of the medicine bottle can cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

To keep from getting dehydrated, drink plenty of water or other clear liquids. Do not drink milk or any liquid colored red or purple. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids to drink for 24 hours after taking magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates.

While taking this medicine, you must not eat any solid food. Drink only clear liquids.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting, or if you are sweating more than usual. You may need blood tests to check your electrolyte levels.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any leftover medicine after your treatment ends.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose or do not finish all doses required before your colonoscopy.

Do not use more than the recommended dose of this medicine in any 24-hour period.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates?

Do not use any other laxatives at the same time.

magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Avoid taking other oral medicines within 2 hours before or after you take magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• headache, dizziness, vomiting, little or no urinating;

• bloating, stomach cramps, trouble swallowing liquids;

• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

• fever, sudden or severe stomach pain, rectal bleeding or bright red bowel movements;

• seizure (blackout or convulsions); or

• no bowel movement after use.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea;

• vomiting; or

• bloating or mild stomach discomfort.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bowel Preparation:

Magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates bowel prep kit should be taken as a split-dose oral regimen.

The dose for colon cleansing requires administration of two bottles of magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates bowel prep kit. Each bottle is administered as 16 ounces of diluted magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates solution with an additional 1 quart of water taken orally. The total volume of liquid required for colon cleansing (using 2 bottles) is 3 quarts (approximately 2.8 L) taken orally prior to the colonoscopy in the following way:

Split-Dose (Two-Day) Regimen
Day prior to colonoscopy:
A light breakfast may be consumed, or have only clear liquids on the day before the colonoscopy. Nothing should be eaten for dinner. Avoid red and purple liquids, milk, and alcoholic beverages. Early in the evening prior to colonoscopy: pour the contents of 1 bottle of magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates bowel prep kit into the mixing container provided. Fill the container with water to the 16 oz fill line, and drink the entire amount. Drink two additional containers filled to the 16 oz line with water over the next hour.
Day of colonoscopy:
Have only clear liquids until after the colonoscopy. Avoid red and purple liquids, milk, and alcoholic beverages. The morning of colonoscopy (10 to 12 hours after the evening dose): pour the contents of the second bottle of magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates bowel prep into the mixing container provided. Fill the container with water to the 16 ounce fill line, and drink the entire amount. Drink two additional containers filled to the 16 oz line with water over the next hour.

Complete all magnesium/potassium/sodium sulfates bowel prep and required water at least two hours prior to colonoscopy.

What other drugs will affect magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;

• seizure medicine;

• medicine to treat kidney problems;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• other laxatives; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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