Skip to main content
Log in

Oral Sodium Phosphate Solution

A Review of its Use as a Colorectal Cleanser

Drugs Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Abstract

Oral sodium phosphate solution (Fleet® Phospho-soda®, Casen-Fleet® Fosfosoda®) is a low-volume, hyperosmotic agent used as part of a colorectal-cleansing preparation for surgery, x-ray or endoscopic examination.

The efficacy and tolerability of oral sodium phosphate solution was generally similar to, or significantly better than, that of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other colorectal cleansing regimens in patients preparing for colonoscopy, colorectal surgery or other colorectal-related procedures. Generally, oral sodium phosphate solution was significantly more acceptable to patients than PEG or other regimens. The use of this solution should be considered in most patients (with the exception of those with contraindications) requiring colorectal cleansing.

Pharmacological Properties

After the first and second 45mL dose of oral sodium phosphate solution, the mean time to onset of bowel activity was 1.7 and 0.7 hours and the mean duration of activity was 4.6 and 2.9 hours. Bowel activity ceased within 4 hours of administration of the second dose in 83% of patients.

Elevations in serum phosphorus and falls in serum total and ionised calcium from baseline occurred during the 24 hours after administration of oral sodium phosphate solution in seven healthy volunteers. These changes were not associated with significant changes in clinical assessments. The decrease in serum potassium levels after administration of oral sodium phosphate solution was negatively correlated with baseline intracellular potassium levels.

Therapeutic Use

A regimen that administered the first dose of sodium phosphate on the previous evening and a second dose on the morning of the procedure (10–12 hours apart) was significantly more effective than PEG-based regimens for colorectal cleansing in preparation for colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or colorectal surgery. A regimen that administered both doses of oral sodium phosphate on the day prior to the procedure offered no colorectal cleansing advantage over PEG-based regimens and was significantly less effective than an oral sodium phosphate solution regimen that administered one dose on the previous evening and a second dose on the morning of the procedure. Oral sodium phosphate solution was generally as effective as other colorectal cleansing solutions (including magnesium citrate-containing regimens with sodium picosulfate).

The direct costs of a diagnostic colonic examination with oral sodium phosphate solution were less than those with PEG ($US465 vs $US503 per patient; 1995 values), according to data from a US study.

Oral sodium phosphate solution was significantly more effective than a commercially available tablet formulation as a colorectal cleanser prior to colonoscopy (data from one study only).

Tolerability

Oral sodium phosphate solution administered as two 45mL doses (generally 10–12 hours apart) was well tolerated in well designed trials in which adults with major comorbid conditions were excluded. Sodium phosphate-associated adverse events were mostly gastrointestinal (including abdominal pain/cramping, abdominal fullness and/or bloating, anal or perianal irritation or soreness, nausea, vomiting or hunger pains), although dizziness, weakness/fatigue, thirst, chest pain, chills, headache and sleep loss were also reported. Faecal incontinence was commonly reported in the elderly. Three doses (administered 10 minutes apart) of 15mL of oral sodium phosphate solution, each diluted in 250mL of clear fluid was associated with less vomiting than one 45mL dose of the solution diluted in 250mL of clear fluid (data from one study).

In patients without major comorbid conditions, oral sodium phosphate has been associated with transient and clinically inconsequential changes in intravascular volume and electrolyte disturbances. Serious electrolyte disturbances have been associated with oral sodium phosphate administration in patients in whom sodium phosphate is contraindicated or should be use with caution (the elderly and those with bowel obstructions, small intestinal disorders, poor gut motility, renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease or taking concomitant medication) or in patients ingesting more than the recommended dosage.

Changes in the colonic mucosa have been reported in patients treated with oral sodium phosphate solution; however, the exact role of this agent in the appearance of these changes has not been fully clarified.

The tolerability profile of oral sodium phosphate solution was similar to, or significantly better than, that of PEG or other colorectal cleansing regimens. Oral sodium phosphate solution was generally significantly more acceptable than PEG or other colorectal cleansing regimens.

Oral sodium phosphate solution had similar tolerability, but was considered to be more acceptable than commercially available oral sodium phosphate tablets prior to colonoscopy (data from one study).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Table I
Table II
Table III
Table IV

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

References

  1. Tooson JD, Gates Jr LK. Bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Choosing the best lavage regimen. Postgrad Med 1996 Aug; 100(2): 203–14

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Fleet Pharmaceuticals. Fleet® Phospho-soda®: prescribing information [online]. Available from URL: http://www.phospho-soda.com [Accessed 2004 Feb 2]

  3. Linden TB, Waye JD. Sodium phosphate preparation for colonoscopy: onset and duration of bowel activity. Gastrointest Endosc 1999 Dec; 50(6): 811–3

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. DiPalma JA, Buckley SE, Warner BA, et al. Biochemical effects of oral sodium phosphate. Dig Dis Sci 1996 Apr; 41(4): 749–53

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Hill AG, Teo W, Still A, et al. Cellular potassium depletion predisposes to hypokalaemia after oral sodium phosphate. Aust N Z J Surg 1998 Dec; 68(12): 856–8

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Afridi SA, Barthel JS, King PD, et al. Prospective, randomized trial comparing a new sodium phosphate-bisacodyl regimen with conventional PEG-ES lavage for outpatient colonoscopy preparation. Gastrointest Endosc 1995 May; 41(5): 485–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Cohen SM, Wexner SD, Binderow SR, et al. Prospective, randomized, endoscopic-blinded trial comparing precolonoscopy bowel cleansing methods. Dis Colon Rectum 1994 Jul; 37(7): 689–96

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Ell C, Fischbach W, Keller R, et al. A randomized, blinded, prospective trial to compare the safety and efficacy of three bowel-cleansing solutions for colonoscopy (HSG-01*). Endoscopy 2003 Apr; 35(4): 300–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Frommer D. Cleansing ability and tolerance of three bowel preparations for colonoscopy. Dis Colon Rectum 1997 Jan; 40(1): 100–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Golub RW, Kerner BA, Wise Jr WE, et al. Colonoscopic bowel preparations: which one? A blinded, prospective, randomized trial. Dis Colon Rectum 1995 Jun; 38(6): 594–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Henderson JM, Barnett JL, Turgeon DK, et al. Single-day, divided-dose oral sodium phosphate laxative versus intestinal lavage as preparation for colonoscopy: efficacy and patient tolerance. Gastrointest Endosc 1995 Sep; 42(3): 238–43

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Kolts BE, Lyles WE, Achem SR, et al. A comparison of the effectiveness and patient tolerance of oral sodium phosphate, castor oil, and standard electrolyte lavage for colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy preparation. Am J Gastroenterol 1993 Aug; 88(8): 1218–23

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Lee J, McCallion K, Acheson AG, et al. A prospective randomised study comparing polyethylene glycol and sodium phosphate bowel cleansing solutions for colonoscopy. Ulster Med J 1999 Nov; 68(2): 68–72

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Marshall JB, Pineda JJ, Barthel JS, et al. Prospective, randomized trial comparing sodium phosphate solution with polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage for colonoscopy preparation. Gastrointest Endosc 1993 Sep–Oct 31; 39(5): 631–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Poon CM, Lee DW, Mak SK, et al. Two liters of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution versus sodium phosphate as bowel cleansing regimen for colonoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Endoscopy 2002 Jul; 34(7): 560–3

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Vanner SJ, MacDonald PH, Paterson WG, et al. A randomized prospective trial comparing oral sodium phosphate with standard polyethylene glycol-based lavage solution (Golytely) in the preparation of patients for colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol 1990 Apr; 85(4): 422–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Young CJ, Simpson RR, King DW, et al. Oral sodium phosphate solution is a superior colonoscopy preparation to polyethylene glycol with bisacodyl. Dis Colon Rectum 2000 Nov; 43(11): 1568–71

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Aronchick CA, Lipshutz WH, Wright SH, et al. A novel tableted purgative for colonoscopic preparation: efficacy and safety comparisons with Colyte and Fleet Phospho-Soda. Gastrointest Endosc 2000 Sep; 52(3): 346–52

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Balaban DH, Leavell Jr BS, Oblinger MJ, et al. Low volume bowel preparation for colonoscopy: randomized, endoscopist-blinded trial of liquid sodium phosphate versus tablet sodium phosphate. Am J Gastroenterol 2003 Apr; 98(4): 827–32

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Berkelhammer C, Ekambaram A, Silva RG, et al. Low-volume oral colonoscopy bowel preparation: sodium phosphate and magnesium citrate. Gastrointest Endosc 2002 Jul; 56(1): 89–94

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Chilton AP, O’Sullivan M, Cox MA, et al. A blinded, randomized comparison of a novel, low-dose, triple regimen with Fleet Phospho-Soda: a study of colon cleanliness, speed and success of colonoscopy. Endoscopy 2000 Jan; 32(1): 37–41

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Habr-Gama A, Bringel RW, Nahas SC, et al. Bowel preparation for colonoscopy: comparison of mannitol and sodium phosphate. Results of a prospective randomized study. Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo 1999 Nov–Dec 31; 54(6): 187–92

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Rasmussen M, Bohlbro K, Qvist N. Oral sodium phosphate compared with water enemas combined with bisacodyl as bowel preparation for elective colonoscopy. Scand J Gastroenterol 2003 Oct; 38(10): 1090–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Yoshioka K, Connolly AB, Ogunbiyi OA, et al. Randomized trial of oral sodium phosphate compared with oral sodium picosulphate (Picolax) for elective colorectal surgery and colonoscopy. Dig Surg 2000; 17(1): 66–70

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Schmidt LM, Williams P, King D, et al. Picoprep-3™ is a superior colonoscopy preparation to Fleet™: a randomized, controlled trial comparing the two bowel preparations. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 2004; 47(2): 238–42

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. da Silva MM, Briars GL, Patrick MK, et al. Colonoscopy preparation in children: safety, efficacy, and tolerance of high-versus low-volume cleansing methods. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1997 Jan; 24(1): 33–7

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Gremse DA, Sacks AI, Raines S. Comparison of oral sodium phosphate to polyethylene glycol-based solution for bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1996 Dec; 23(5): 586–90

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Thomson A, Naidoo P, Crotty B. Bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a randomized prospective trail comparing sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol in a predominantly elderly population. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1996 Feb; 11(2): 103–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Martinek J, Hess J, Delarive J,et al. Cisapride does not improve precolonoscopy bowel preparation with either sodium phosphate or polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage. Gastrointest Endosc 2001 Aug; 54(2): 180–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Bujanda L, Muñoz C, Sánchez A, et al. Tolerance to and colon cleansing with two preparations. Polyethylene glycol versus sodium phosphate [in Spanish]. Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001 Jan; 24(1): 9–12

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. O’Donovan AN, Somers S, Farrow R, et al. A prospective blinded randomized trial comparing oral sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol solutions for bowel preparation prior to barium enema. Clin Radiol 1997 Oct; 52(10): 791–3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. MacLeod AJM, Duncan KA, Pearson RH, et al. A comparison of fleet phospho-soda with picolax in the preparation of the colon for double contrast barium enema. Clin Radiol 1998; 53(8): 612–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Oliveira L, Wexner SD, Daniel N, et al. Mechanical bowel preparation for elective colorectal surgery: a prospective, randomized, surgeon-blinded trial comparing sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol-based oral lavage solutions. Dis Colon Rectum 1997 May; 40(5): 585–91

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Allaire J, Thompson WO, Cash BD, et al. A quality improvement project comparing two regimens of medication for colonoscopy preparation. Gastroenterol Nurs 2004; 27(1): 3–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Pou Fernández JM, Rodriguez Muñoz S, Sala Felis T. Characterization of the safety, effectiveness and use of oral sodium phosphate [in Spanish]. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2001 Apr; 93(4): 214–25

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Canard JM, Gorce D, Napoleon B, et al. Fleet phosphosoda: for greater acceptability of the colonic preparation before colonoscopy. Randomised comparative single blind study versus polyethylene glycol [in French]. Acta Endosc 2001; 31(5): 703–8

    Google Scholar 

  37. Seinelä L, Pehkonen E, Laasanen T, et al. Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in very old patients: a randomized prospective trial comparing oral sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution. Scand J Gastroenterol 2003 Feb; 38(2): 216–20

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Hsu CW, Imperiale TF. Meta-analysis and cost comparison of polyethylene glycol lavage versus sodium phosphate for colonoscopy preparation. Gastrointest Endosc 1998 Sep; 48(3): 276–82

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Nelson BD, Barkun AN, Block KP, et al. Technology status evaluation report. Colonoscopy preparations. May 2001. Gastrointest Endosc 2001; 54(6): 829–32

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Keeffe EB. Colonoscopy preps: what’s best? Gastrointest Endosc 1996 May; 43(5): 524–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Rex DK, Imperiale TF, Latinovich DR, et al. Impact of bowel preparation on efficiency and cost of colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol 2002; 97: 7

    Google Scholar 

  42. Hookey LC, Depew WT, Vanner S. The safety profile of oral sodium phosphate for colonic cleansing before colonoscopy in adults. Gastrointest Endosc 2002 Dec; 56(6): 895–902

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Huynh T, Vanner S, Paterson W. Safety profile of 5-h oral sodium phosphate regimen for colonoscopy cleansing: lack of clinically significant hypocalcemia or hypovolemia. Am J Gastroenterol 1995 Jan; 90(1): 104–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Desmeules S, Bergeron MJ, Isenring P. Acute phosphate nephopathy and renal failure [letter]. N Engl J Med 2003; 349(10): 1006–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Fine A, Patterson J. Severe hyperphosphatemia following phosphate administration for bowel preparation in patients with renal failure: two cases and a review of the literature. Am J Kidney Dis 1997 Jan; 29: 103–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Ayala G, Chertow BS, Shah JH, et al. Acute hyperphosphatemia and acute persistent renal insufficiency induced by oral phosphate therapy. Ann Intern Med 1975; 83: 520–1

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Ahmed M, Raval P, Buganza G. Oral sodium phosphate catharsis and acute renal failure. Am J Gastroenterol 1996 Jun; 91(6): 1261–2

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Barclay RL, Depew WT, Vanner SJ. Carbohydrate-electrolyte rehydration protects against intravascular volume contraction during colonic cleansing with orally administered sodium phosphate. Gastrointest Endosc 2002 Nov; 56(5): 633–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Lieberman DA, Ghormley J, Flora K. Effect of oral sodium phosphate colon preparation on serum electrolytes in patients with normal serum creatinine. Gastrointest Endosc 1996 May; 43(5): 467–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Beloosesky Y, Grinblat J, Weiss A, et al. Electrolyte disorders following oral sodium phosphate administration for bowel cleansing in elderly patients. Arch Intern Med 2003 Apr 14; 163(7): 803–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Ullah N, Yeh R, Ehrinpreis M. Fatal hyperphosphatemia from a phosphosoda bowel preparation. J Clin Gastroenterol 2002 Apr; 34(4): 457–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Tan HL, Liew QY, Loo S, et al. Severe hyperphosphataemia and associated electrolyte and metabolic derangement following the administration of sodium phosphate for bowel preparation. Anaesthesia 2002; 57(5): 478–83

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Fass R, Do S, Hixson LJ. Fatal hyperphosphatemia following Fleet Phospo-Soda in a patient with colonic ileus. Am J Gastroenterol 1993 Jun; 88(6): 929–32

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Ehrenpreis ED, Wieland JM, Cabral J, et al. Symptomatic hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperphosphatemia secondary to Fleet’s Phospho-Soda colonoscopy preparation in a patient with a jejunoileal bypass. Dig Dis Sci 1997 Apr; 42(4): 858–60

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Vukasin P, Weston LA, Beart RW. Oral Fleet® Phospho®-Soda laxative-induced hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemic tetany in an adult: report of a case. Dis Colon Rectum 1997 Apr; 40(4): 497–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Boivin MA, Kahn SR. Symptomatic hypocalcemia from oral sodium phosphate: a report of two cases. Am J Gastroenterol 1998; 93(12): 2577–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Ma KK, Ng CS, Mui LM, et al. Severe hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia following sodium phosphate bowel preparation: a forgotten menace. Endoscopy 2003 Aug; 35(8): 717

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Pillans P. Oral fleet and marked hypokalaemia. Prescr Update 1997 Aug, 32–3

  59. Hill AG, Parry BR. Hypokalaemia following bowel cleansing with sodium phosphate [letter]. N Z Med J 1996 Sep 13; 109(1029): 347

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Campisi P, Badhwar V, Morin S, et al. Postoperative hypocalcemic tetany caused by Fleet® Phospho®-Soda preparation in a patient taking alendronate sodium: report of a case. Dis Colon Rectum 1999 Nov; 42(11): 1499–501

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Zwas FR, Cirillo NW, el-Serag HB, et al. Colonic mucosal abnormalities associated with oral sodium phosphate solution. Gastrointest Endosc 1996 May; 43(5): 463–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Driman DK, Preiksaitis HG. Colorectal inflammation and increased cell proliferation associated with oral sodium phosphate bowel preparation solution. Hum Pathol 1998; 29(9): 972–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Chan A, Depew W, Vanner S. Use of oral sodium phosphate colonic lavage solution by Canadian colonoscopists: pitfalls and complications. Can J Gastroenterol 1997 May–1997 30; 11(4): 334–8

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Hixson LJ. Colorectal ulcers associated with sodium phosphate catharsis [letter]. Gastrointest Endosc 1995 Jul; 42(1): 101–2

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Oh JK, Meiselman M, Lataif Jr LE. Ischemic colitis caused by oral hyperosmotic saline laxatives. Gastrointest Endosc 1997 Mar; 45(3): 319–22

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Wong NA, Penman ID, Campbell S, et al. Microscopic focal cryptitis associated with sodium phosphate bowel preparation [letter]. Histopathology 2000 May; 36(5): 476–8

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Stark ME, Wolfe JT. Red ring sign versus aphthous ulcers of colonic mucosa? [letter]. Gastrointest Endosc 1996 May; 43(5): 529–30

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Watts DA, Lessells AM, Penman ID, et al. Endoscopie and histologic features of sodium phosphate bowel preparation-induced colonic ulceration: case report and review. Gastrointest Endosc 2002 Apr; 55(4): 584–7

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Berthelet O, Rolachon A, Papillon E, et al. Rectal lesions induced by the colonic preparation Fleet-Phospho-soda® [letter; in French]. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 2001 Apr; 25(4): 437–9

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Wexner SD. Preoperative preparation prior to colorectal surgery [letter]. Gastrointest Endosc 1996 May; 43(5): 530–1

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Yarze JC, Winchell EC. Colon lavage-induced ileocecal valve ulceration [letter]. Am J Gastroenterol 2003; 98(12): 2805–6

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Faigel DO, Furth EE, Bachwich DR. Aphthoid lesions of the rectum [letter]. Gastrointest Endosc 1996; 43(5): 528–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. C.B. Fleet Company. Casen-Fleet® Fosfosoda® [online]. Available from URL: http://www.cbfleet.com [Accessed 2004 Feb 2]

  74. Physician’s Desk Reference®. 58th ed. Montvale (NJ): Thomson PDR, 2004

  75. C.B. Fleet Company. Summary of product characteristics: Fleet® Phospho-soda® oral solution. Runcorn, UK: E.C. De Witt & Company Limited, 2001

  76. British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. British National Formulary 47. Oxon, UK: Pharmaceutical Press, 2004

  77. Data on file, C.B. Fleet Company, 2004

  78. Kim WH, Cho YJ, Park JY, et al. Factors affecting insertion time and patient discomfort during colonoscopy. Gastrointest Endosc 2000; 52(5): 600–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Rex DK, Bond JH, Winawer S, et al. Quality in the technical performance of colonoscopy and the continuous quality improvement process for colonoscopy: recommendations of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol 2002 Jun; 97(6): 1296–308

    Google Scholar 

  80. Toledo TK, DiPalma JA. Review article: colon cleansing preparation for gastrointestinal procedures. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001 May; 15(5): 605–11

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Zmora O, Wexner SD, Hajjar L, et al. Trends in preparation for colorectal surgery: survey of the members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Am Surg 2003 Feb; 69(2): 150–4

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Hookey LC, Depew WT, Vanner S. Safety of sodium phosphate for colonoscopy. Gastrointest Endosc 2003 Sep; 58(3): 471–2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  83. Food and Drug Administration. Food and Drug Administration science backgrounder: safety of sodium phosphates oral solution 2001 Nov 1

  84. Health Canada. Important safety information for patients taking sodium phosphates oral solutions (Fleet®, Phospho-soda® and phosphates solution) [online]. Available from URL: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca [Accessed 2002 Apr 4]

  85. Love J. The appropriate use of sodium phosphates oral solutions. Can J Gastroenterol 2003; 17(9): 531

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Monique P. Curran.

Additional information

Various sections of the manuscript reviewed by: D.H. Balaban, Charlottesville Gastroenterology Associates, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; C. Berkelhammer, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA; M.N. Ehrinpreis, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA; L.K. Gates, Salem Gastroenterology Consultants, Salem, Oregon, USA; B.E. Kolts, University of Florida Health Science Centre, Jacksonville, Florida, USA; J.M. Henderson, Gastroenterology Associates Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; S. Vanner, Queen’s University, Kingston, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; S. Wexner, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA.

Data Selection

Sources: Medical literature published in any language since 1980 on sodium phosphate, identified using Medline and EMBASE, supplemented by AdisBase (a proprietary database of Adis International). Additional references were identified from the reference lists of published articles. Bibliographical information, including contributory unpublished data, was also requested from the company developing the drug.

Search strategy: Medline search terms were ‘sodium phosphate’ and (‘colon cleansing’ or ‘bowel cleansing’ or ‘colonoscopy’). EMBASE search terms were ‘sodium phosphate’ and (‘colon cleansing’ or ‘bowel cleansing’ or ‘colonoscopy’). AdisBase search terms were ‘sodium phosphate’ and (‘colon cleansing’ or ‘bowel cleansing’ or ‘colonoscopy’). Searches were last updated 10 Jun 2004.

Selection: Studies in patients undergoing colonoscopy or other procedures requiring colorectal cleansing. Inclusion of studies was based mainly on the methods section of the trials. When available, large, well controlled trials with appropriate statistical methodology were preferred. Relevant pharmacological data are also included.

Index terms: Sodium phosphate, colon cleansing, bowel cleansing, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic use, tolerability.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Curran, M.P., Plosker, G.L. Oral Sodium Phosphate Solution. Drugs 64, 1697–1714 (2004). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200464150-00009

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200464150-00009

Keywords

Navigation