The FDA is warning that the consumption of more than one dose in 24 hours of over-the-counter (OTC) sodium phosphate drugs that treat constipation can cause rare but serious harm to the kidneys and heart and may result in death. According to the reports that the FDA received, most cases of serious harm involved a single dose of sodium phosphate that was larger than the recommended amount. The FDA urges consumers and health care professionals to “always read the Drug Facts label for OTC sodium phosphate drugs and use these products as recommended on the label, and not exceed the labeled dose.” Previously the FDA warned “about the risk of kidney injury with the use of oral sodium phosphate drug products at higher does for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other procedures.” Read the full FDA Alert.

Keywords: Colonoscopy, Constipation, Drug Labeling, Nonprescription Drugs, Phosphates, Death, Heart, Acute Kidney Injury

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