Magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate

Generic name: magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates [ mag-NEE-see-um-SUL-fate, poe-TA-see-um-SUL-fate, and-SOE-dee-um-SUL-fate ]
Brand name: Suprep Bowel Prep Kit
Dosage form: oral liquid (1.6 g-3.13 g-17.5 g/177 mL)
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate?

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium are electrolyte minerals that occur naturally in body fluids.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates bowel prep kit is a combination medicine that causes diarrhea for the purpose of cleaning your colon before a colonoscopy. Cleaning the colon allows the inside of your colon to be seen more clearly on the colonoscopy.

This medicine is for use in adults and children at least 12 years old.

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

magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate 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.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• a headache and dizziness;

• little or no urination;

• severe nausea or vomiting;

• painful bloating or stomach cramps;

• trouble drinking liquids;

• mouth sores;

• a seizure;

• irregular heartbeats; or

• worsening gout symptoms (joint pain, redness, or swelling).

Common side effects of magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate may include:

• stomach pain or discomfort;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• mild bloating.

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.

Warnings

This medicine can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or kidney failure.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, or sodium sulfate, or if you have:

• a bowel obstruction, colitis or toxic megacolon;

• a dilated intestine;

• a perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines; or

• slow digestion.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, including long QT syndrome;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• ulcerative colitis;

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

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

• a sensitive gag reflex, or trouble swallowing;

• a seizure;

• kidney disease;

• gout; or

• alcohol or opioid withdrawal.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

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

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Never use an adult-strength bowel prep kit in anyone 12 to 18 years old.

Carefully follow all instructions about what to eat or drink in the days before your colon prep.

You must dilute this medicine with water before drinking it. Drinking the pure liquid can increase your risk of nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.

Do not eat solid food once you start taking this medicine.

You will need to drink extra water once you start your colon prep. Drink only clear liquids and avoid alcohol, milk, or any drink that is red or purple.

This medicine can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or kidney failure. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Store at room temperature.

Related/similar drugs

MiraLAX, bisacodyl, erythromycin, senna, Dulcolax, polyethylene glycol 3350

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you cannot drink the entire amount of medicine and liquids as instructed in time for your colonoscopy.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose is unlikely to occur if you take magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate exactly as directed.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Do not take other laxatives during your colon prep.

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

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth within 1 hour before your colon prep.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a laxative;

• heart or blood pressure medication;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• medicine to treat a kidney problem;

• seizure medication; 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 affect magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01.