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Overview: Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate is taken to clean out your intestines before a colonoscopy. Carefully follow all instructions about foods, drinks, and other medicines while you are taking this medicine, which causes you to have diarrhea. Common side effects include bloating, stomach pain, and nausea. If you vomit or have trouble drinking water because you have nausea or bloating, tell your health care provider right away because you may lose too much water. Get emergency help if you think you may be dehydrated or have chest pain or heartbeat changes.

Uses

What is sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate used for?

Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate is commonly used to clean the colon (large intestine) before a colonoscopy, which is a procedure done to prevent, treat, or monitor medical conditions of your large intestine.

Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate work (mechanism of action)?

Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate is known as a laxative. It works by pulling water into the large intestine (part of the digestive system), which makes your poop more watery. This can help your poop pass more easily. It is important that your colon is emptied out before undergoing a colonoscopy procedure so that your health care provider can see the inside of your colon more clearly.

How is sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Suprep

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 17.5 g/3.13 g/1.6 g per 6 oz bottle
  • 13.13 g/2.35 g/1.2 g per 4.5 oz bottle

How should I store sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate?

Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate?

The most common side effects of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Discomfort
  • Bloating
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting

There may be other side effects of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Electrolyte Changes. Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia), low sodium levels (hyponatremia), or low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia). These changes can be serious, even life-threatening. Your risk is higher if you have heart or kidney problems or take certain medicines. Call your health care provider right away or get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of electrolyte changes. 

  • Weakness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Constipation
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Trouble breathing
  • Confusion or decreased alertness

Dehydration. Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may cause dehydration. Dehydration may lead to low blood pressure, especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension), or kidney damage. It is important that you drink additional water after taking your dose of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate to prevent dehydration. Follow the “Instructions for Use” that comes with your medicine on how to do this. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of dehydration, low blood pressure, or kidney damage.

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Unsteadiness
  • Peeing less than normal
  • Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • A hard time catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
  • Seizures
  • Extreme thirst
  • Headache

Heart Effects. Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may cause abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Seizures. Some people who have taken sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Bowel Problems. Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may cause bowel problems, including ulcers or ischemic colitis. Call your health care provider right away if you have severe stomach pain or rectal bleeding.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate.

  • Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate
  • Suprep
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate products they stock.

Stomach or Bowel Conditions. Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate should not be used if you have any of the following conditions related to the stomach or bowel.

  • Gastrointestinal or bowel obstruction, which is a blockage in your gut
  • Bowel perforation, which is a tear in the stomach or intestines
  • Gastric retention, a condition where you have problems emptying food and liquids from the stomach
  • Toxic megacolon (toxic colitis), which is when your intestines swell and do not work properly
  • Ileus, which is slowed or no movement in the gut

What should I know about sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate before using it?

Do not take sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Follow the Instructions for Use that comes with the medicine. 

Do not share sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate out of the reach of children.

Your health care provider will likely give you specific instructions about taking your medicines while taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate. Follow your health care provider’s instructions about taking other medicines while you are taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate.

Your health care provider will also likely give you a detailed list of what and when you can eat or drink the day before and while taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate. You can also follow the “Instructions for Use” that comes with the medicine about how to mix and drink the medicine. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions. 

Do not take or use any other laxatives while taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate comes in two bottles. Each bottle is considered one dose. In order to complete your colonoscopy preparation, you must finish both doses (bottles) of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate at least two hours before your colonoscopy. 

If you get nausea, bloating, or stomach cramping, you can pause or slow how quickly you drink this medicine or water. Also, if your stomach feels bloated or upset after taking the first dose, wait to take the second dose until your stomach feels better. If you vomit or cannot drink the needed amount of water, call your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate interact with foods or drinks?

Your health care provider will likely give you a detailed list of what you can eat and drink before and while taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate. While taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate, do not eat any solid food or dairy products. Do not drink milk or eat or drink anything that is red or purple. These things may keep sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate from working or be confused for blood during your procedure. Stop drinking any type of liquid at least two hours before your colonoscopy. 

Do not drink alcohol while taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate. The risk of dehydration and dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate.

Does sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate.

  • A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
  • A fluoroquinolone, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin, which is a medicine used to treat certain infections 
  • A supplement containing iron, which is used to prevent or treat anemia
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Chlorpromazine, which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting
  • Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen), which is a medicine used for Wilson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions
  • A laxative, which is a medicine used to treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating your bowels
  • A medicine for blood pressure or heart problems 
  • A medicine for kidney problems 
  • A medicine for seizures
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A medicine for depression or any other mental health condition
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Any medicine that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem

Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate?

If you or someone else has used too much sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate?

Sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate is taken in two doses. Follow the instructions given to you. If you forget to take your dose or are not able to drink all of the medicine, call your health care provider to see if you need to reschedule your procedure.