Sodium phosphate is a laxative product. It is available in a prescription form that you take before medical procedures like a colonoscopy, which is a visual examination of your colon with a flexible scope. Oral sodium phosphate, or OSP, is designed to clean out the large intestine, according to MedlinePlus.
How It Works
Prescription OSP removes stool in the colon and allows your doctor to have an unobstructed view of the area, according to MedlinePlus. OSP induces diarrhea. You take a dose by mouth the night before, and another dose on the morning of the colonoscopy, about 12 hours apart. Each dose should be taken with a clear liquid, like water, apple juice or ginger ale.
Prescription OSP
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets of sodium phosphate you should take for each dose. While you are taking OSP, you will have repeated bowel movements, which will continue for a while after you finish taking the tablets. OSP products cause diarrhea, which is why you must drink clear fluids after and while you take them.
Diarrhea
It's important to replace the fluid you lose so you don't become dehydrated. If you see undigested OSP tablets in your stool, don't be concerned. This can happen because they pass through your digestive system quickly. Although OSP products are generally considered safe, they can cause some side effects, such as nausea, bloating and stomach pain.
Dangers
In rare cases, OSP can cause acute phosphate nephropathy, a dangerous type of kidney injury caused by the buildup of deposits of calcium phosphate crystals that can block kidney tubules. Symptoms include lethargy, decreased urine, and swelling of the extremities. You may be at risk if you are over 55; have kidney disease, colitis or bowel obstruction; or are taking medications that affect kidney function. You should inform your doctor if you are taking other medications.
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