Drug reference
sodium phosphate
Saline laxative; Osmotic agent · Laxative
Saline laxative; Osmotic agentLaxativeATC A06AG03
CDSCO approvedATC A06AG03
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Phosphate salts are osmotic water-retaining agents, stimulating peristalsis and promoting catharsis.
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability
Better absorbed than Mg2+-based agents
Contraindications
- Patients at risk of acute phosphate nephropathy (elderly, patients with known bowel pathology or renal dysfunction, patients on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and NSAIDs)
Side effects
Serious
- Acute phosphate nephropathy
- Hypocalcemia (with repeated enemas using hypotonic solutions)
Related guidelines
Other Saline laxative; Osmotic agent drugs
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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team