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WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate is used to empty the colon (large intestine, bowel) before a colonoscopy (examination of the inside of the colon to check for colon cancer and other abnormalities) in adults and children 12 years of age and older so that the doctor will have a clear view of the walls of the colon. Magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing watery diarrhea so that the stool can be emptied from the colon.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate comes as a comes as a solution (liquid) (Suprep®) and as tablets (Sutab®) to take by mouth. The first dose is usually taken the night before the colonoscopy and the second dose taken the morning of the procedure. Your doctor will tell you exactly when you should take your medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor.
To prepare for your colonoscopy, you may not eat any solid food or drink milk beginning the day before the procedure. You should only have clear liquids during this time. Examples of clear liquids are water, light colored fruit juice without pulp, clear broth, coffee or tea without milk, flavored gelatin, popsicles, and soft drinks. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or any liquid that is red or purple. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about which liquids you may drink before your colonoscopy. Tell your doctor if you have trouble drinking clear liquids.
If you are taking the solution (Suprep®), you will need to mix the medication solution with water right before you take it. If you swallow the solution without mixing it with water, there is a greater chance that you will experience unpleasant or dangerous side effects. To prepare each dose of your medication, pour the contents of one bottle of magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate solution into the dosing container that was provided with the medication and fill the container with water up to the line (16 ounces, 480 mL or 12 ounces, 300 mL) that is marked on the cup. Drink the entire mixture right away. You will take your first dose on the evening before your colonoscopy. After you take this dose, you will need to drink two containers (16 ounces, 480 mL or 12 ounces, 300 mL) of water within the next hour before you go to bed. You will take your second dose the next morning before your colonoscopy is scheduled. After you take the second dose, you will need to drink two containers (16 ounces, 480 mL or 12 ounces, 300 mL) of water within the next hour, but you should finish all the drinks at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
If you are taking the tablets (Sutab®), each dose is 12 tablets. You will take your first dose (12 tablets) the evening before your colonoscopy is scheduled and your second dose (12 tablets) the following morning before your colonoscopy is scheduled. For each dose, you will need to fill the container that was provided with water up to the line (16 ounces, 480 mL) that is marked on the cup. You should take each tablet with a sip of water and then drink the entire contents of the cup over 15 to 20 minutes. Approximately 1 hour after you take a dose (12 tablets), you will need to drink one 16-ounce container of water over 30 minutes; 30 minutes after finishing the second container of water, you will need to drink another 16-ounce container of water over 30 minutes. After you take the second dose (12 tablets), you should finish all the drinks at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
You will have many bowel movements during your treatment with magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate. Be sure to stay close to a toilet from the time you take your first dose of the medication until the time of your colonoscopy appointment. Ask your doctor about other things you can do to stay comfortable during this time.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with this medication. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before taking magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Your doctor will tell you what you may eat and drink before, during, and after your treatment with magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate. Follow these directions carefully.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Call your doctor if you forget or are unable to take this medication exactly as directed.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: May 15, 2021.