Sodium Sulfate

Sodium Sulfate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

The primary mode of action is thought to be through the osmotic effect of polyethylene glycol 3350 which causes water to be retained in the colon and produces a watery stool. Sodium Sulfate induces as diarrhea which rapidly cleanses the bowel, usually within four hours.

The osmotic effect of PEG produces a copious watery diarrhea. The onset of action of PEG 3350 is about 1 to 2 hours after oral ingestion. The colonic transit of polyethylene glycol occurs in a dose-dependent manner. When used for bowel preparation before colonscopy, electrolytes are typically added in the oral solution to prevent dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. As an over-the-counter laxative, the OTC product does not contain any salts that can be absorbed. In a study involving healthy subjects, PEG 3350 had negligible effects on colonic fluid absorption or with the ability of the colonic mucosa to generate and sustain steep electrochemical gradients.

Trade Name Sodium Sulfate
Generic Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene Glycol Other Names Macrogol, Macrogol 3350, Macrogol 4000, Macrogol 6000, PEG, Polyethylene glycol 3350, Polyethylene glycol 4000, Polyethylene glycol 6000
Type Oral
Protein binding

There is limited information on the protein binding profile of polyethylene glycols.

Groups Approved, Vet approved
Therapeutic Class Osmotic purgatives
Manufacturer
Available Country United States
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Sodium Sulfate
Sodium Sulfate

Uses

This is white powder for reconstitution. It is a synthetic polyglycol having an average molecular weight of 3350. Sodium Sulfate is an osmotic agent that causes water to be retained with the stool. Sodium Sulfate appears to have no effect on the active absorption or secretion of glucose or electrolytes.

Sodium Sulfate is used for the treatment of constipation. This should be used for 2 weeks or less or as directed by physician. Sodium Sulfate 3350 is a prescription only laxative that has been prescribed by physician to treat constipation. This product should only be used by the person for whom it is prescribed.

Sodium Sulfate is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Chronic Constipation, Constipation, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), Dry Eyes, Occasional Constipation, Bowel preparation therapy, Eye lubrication

How Sodium Sulfate works

Osmotic laxatives contain substances that are poorly absorbable and draw water into the lumen of the bowel. Polyethylene glycol functions is an osmotic laxative that causes increased water retention in the lumen of the colon by binding to water molecules, thereby producing loose stools.

Dosage

Sodium Sulfate dosage

The usual dose of Sodium Sulfate is 17 gm of powder per day (or as directed by physician) in a glass of water, juice, coke, coffee or tea. Each bottle of Sodium Sulfate is supplied with a cup that is used to measure 17 gm or 8.5 gm of laxative powder when filled upto the marked line.

It should always be taken by mouth. Measure the dose using the supplied cup, stir and dissolve in a glass of water, juice, coke, coffee or tea. Taking more than the prescribed dose may cause loss of fluid due to severe diarrhea.

Duration of Treatment

Sodium Sulfate achieves its best results when used between one and two weeks. It may be discontinued after several satisfactory bowel movements. Should unusual cramps, bloating, or diarrhea occur, consultation with physician is needed. Sodium Sulfate is intended for up to a two-week course of therapy. It should not be used for a longer time unless directed by a physician. After successfully completing the Sodium Sulfate therapy (usually between one and two weeks) discussion with a physician is needed to change lifestyle that may produce more regular bowel habits (adequate dietary and fluid intake, regular exercise).

Side Effects

Nausea, abdominal bloating, cramping and flatulence may occur. High doses may produce diarrhea and excessive stool frequency, particularly in elderly nursing home patients. Patients taking other medications containing polyethylene glycol have occasionally developed urticaria suggestive of an allergic reaction.

Toxicity

The oral LD50 of PEG 3350 in rats is 22000 mg/kg.

There is limited clinical information on the overdose of polyethylene glycols. Based on the pharmacological action of the compound, severe diarrhea may be suspected. Overdose of polyethylene glycols should be responded with symptomatic and supportive care.

Precaution

Patients with symptoms suggestive of bowel obstruction (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or distention) should be evaluated to rule out this condition before initiating Sodium Sulfate therapy. Sodium Sulfate should be administered after being dissolved in water, juice, coke, coffee or tea.

Interaction

No specific drug interactions have been demonstrated.

Food Interaction

  • Avoid alcohol. Withdrawing from alcohol increases the risk of seizures, which is also caused by the drug.
  • Avoid milk and dairy products.
  • Avoid solid foods. Consume only clear liquids from the start of drug treatment until after the colonoscopy.

Volume of Distribution

Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution was 48,481 L.

Elimination Route

Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean Cmax was 2.7 mcg/mL and the mean Tmax was 3 hours. Typically, polyethylene glycols with a high molecular weight are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.

Half Life

Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean half life was 4.1 hours.

Clearance

There is limited information on the clearance rate of polyethylene glycols.

Elimination Route

Following administration of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, up to 85% to 99% of the compound was excreted in the feces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: It is not known whether Polyethylene glycol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, or can effect reproductive capacity. Polyethylene glycol should only be administered to a pregnant woman if clearly needed.

Lactation: There is no information on the use of Polyethylene glycol while nursing. Consultation with a physician is necessary in case of breastfeeding.

Contraindication

Polyethylene glycol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected bowel obstruction and patients known to be allergic to polyethylene glycol.

Acute Overdose

There have been no reports of accidental overdosage. In the event of overdosage diarrhea would be the expected major event. If an overdose of drug occurred without concomitant ingestion of fluid, dehydration due to diarrhea may result. Medication should be terminated and free water administered.

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FAQ

What is Sodium Sulfate used for?

Sodium Sulfate is used to treat occasional constipation. Sodium Sulfate and their derivatives are widely used in cosmetics as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners, and humectants.

How safe is Sodium Sulfate?

All children preferred PEG to previously used laxatives, and daily compliance was measured as good in 90% of children. Long-term PEG therapy is safe and is well accepted by children with chronic constipation with and without encopresis.

How does Sodium Sulfate work?

Sodium Sulfate works by causing water to be retained with the stool.

What are the common side effects of Sodium Sulfate?

Common side effects of Sodium Sulfate are include:

  • Irritation Of The Rectum
  • A Sleep Disorder
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach Cramps
  • Abdominal Bloating
  • A Feeling Of General Discomfort Called Malaise
  • Intense Abdominal Pain
  • Upper Abdominal Pain

Is Sodium Sulfate safe during pregnancy?

Sodium Sulfate is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy. Patients using Sodium Sulfate experience faster relief of clinical symptoms and shorter disease duration.

Is Sodium Sulfate safe during breastfeeding?

Caution is recommended. No effects on the infant are expected since systemic exposure to the breastfeeding woman is negligible.

When should I take Sodium Sulfate ?

Take the medicine 2 to 4 hours after you last ate.

How much Sodium Sulfate can I take daily?

Clinical studies in constipated adult patients have shown that a 17- or 34-g daily dose of Sodium Sulfate 3350 is safe and effective for the treatment of constipation, with the best efficacy seen in wk 2 of treatment.

Is Sodium Sulfate safe for long term use in adults?

Sodium Sulfate is widely used in clinical practice for children with constipation, but, to our knowledge, there are no data on the long-term safety profile of this relatively new laxative in children or in adults.

How many time can I take Sodium Sulfate daily?

Sodium Sulfate is usually taken once a day as needed for up to 2 weeks.

How long does Sodium Sulfate take to work?

Sodium Sulfate may take to work 2 to 4 days.

What is the half-life of Sodium Sulfate?

Results Peak Sodium Sulfate plasma concentrations occurred at 2–4 h and declined to nonquantifiable levels usually within 18 h after single and multiple doses, with a half-life of about 4–6 h.

What happens if I take too much Sodium Sulfate?

Overuse may cause diarrhea, dehydration, and mineral imbalance. If you are using nonprescription Sodium Sulfate for self-treatment of occasional constipation and this treatment has not worked after 7 days, talk to your doctor for additional treatment advice.

What happen If I missed Sodium Sulfate?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Who should not take Sodium Sulfate?

You should not use Sodium Sulfate 3350 if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from Sodium Sulfate. Do not use Sodium Sulfate more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.

Can Sodium Sulfate affect my kidneys?

Several studies have shown that Sodium Sulfate may also impair renal function. One recent population-based study reported that the use of Sodium Sulfate was associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury.

Will Sodium Sulfate affect my fertility /

Sodium Sulfate can affect sperm and greatly diminish fertility.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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