Magnesium Sulfate / Potassium Sulfate / Sodium Sulfate Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 28, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Bowel Preparation

Split-Dose Regimen (Preferred Method):

• Dose 1: 1.6 grams magnesium sulfate-3.13 grams potassium sulfate-17.5 grams sodium sulfate (per 6-ounce bottle) orally ONCE in the evening before the colonoscopy, followed by 32 ounces of water orally within the next hour
• Dose 2: 1.6 grams magnesium sulfate-3.13 grams potassium sulfate-17.5 grams sodium sulfate (per 6-ounce bottle) orally ONCE the day of the colonoscopy, followed by 32 ounces of water orally within the next hour

Comments:

• Note: This drug should be diluted with 16 ounces of cool water prior to administration.
• Patients may consume a light breakfast or clear liquids on Day 1 (e.g., no solid foods).
• Dose 2 should be administered approximately 10 to 12 hours after Dose 1; dosing should be completed at least 2 hours before the colonoscopy.
• Patients should consume only clear liquids (e.g., no solid food or dairy) up until 2 hours before the time of the colonoscopy.
• Those who experience severe bloating, distention, or abdominal pain may delay the second dose until the symptoms resolve.

Use: Cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bowel Preparation

12 years and older:
Split-Dose Regimen (Preferred Method):

• Dose 1: 1.2 grams magnesium sulfate-2.35 grams potassium sulfate-13.13 grams sodium sulfate (per 4.5-ounce bottle) orally ONCE in the evening before the colonoscopy, followed by 24 ounces of water orally within the next hour
• Dose 2: 1.2 grams magnesium sulfate-2.35 grams potassium sulfate-13.13 grams sodium sulfate (per 4.5-ounce bottle) orally ONCE the day of the colonoscopy, followed by 24 ounces of water orally within the next hour

Comments:

• Note: This drug should be diluted with 12 ounces of cool water prior to administration.
• Patients may consume a light breakfast or clear liquids on Day 1 (e.g., no solid foods).
• Dose 2 should be administered approximately 10 to 12 hours after Dose 1; dosing should be completed at least 2 hours before the colonoscopy.
• Patients should consume only clear liquids (e.g., no solid food or dairy) up until 2 hours before the time of the colonoscopy.
• Those who experience severe bloating, distention, or abdominal pain may delay the second dose until the symptoms resolve.

Use: Cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy

Renal Dose Adjustments

Renal dysfunction and/or patients taking concomitant agents that may affect renal function:
Use with caution; patients should be advised regarding adequate hydration, and baseline and pos-colonoscopy tests should be considered (e.g., blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine, electrolytes).

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to any/all the active components or to any of the ingredients
• Patients with bowel perforation
• Patients with gastric retention
• Patients with gastrointestinal obstruction or ileus
• Patients with toxic colitis/megacolon

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 12 years; this drug is not recommended for use in these patients.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Once reconstituted, this drug should be consumed immediately.
• Solid food, milk, red/purple drinks, and/or alcohol should be avoided during use.
• Additional oral medications should not be taken within an hour of taking this drug; fluoroquinolone or tetracycline antibiotics, chlorpromazine, digoxin, iron, and/or penicillamine should be taken at least 2 hours before OR 6 hours after administration of this drug.
• Additional laxative use should be avoided.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

• Oral solutions should be diluted prior to administration; the manufacturer product information should be consulted for further details.

General:

• Limitation of use: This drug should not be used as a routine laxative.

Monitoring:

• METABOLIC: Consider baseline and post-colonoscopy electrolyte monitoring in patients with renal dysfunction
• RENAL: Consider baseline and post-colonoscopy blood urea nitrogen and creatinine level monitoring in patients with renal dysfunction

Patient advice:

• Patients should be instructed to closely follow their healthcare providers' instructions regarding bowel preparation.
• Advise patients to remain adequately hydrated while using this drug.
• Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer