The Food and Drug Administration on January 8 warned that using more than one dose in 24 hours of over-the-counter sodium phosphate drugs to treat constipation can cause rare but serious harm to the kidneys and heart, citing reports of severe dehydration and changes in serum electrolytes from taking more than the recommended dose. FDA said consumers and health care professionals should always use these oral solutions and enemas as recommended on the Drug Facts label and not exceed the labeled dose.
Caregivers also should consult with a health professional before giving the oral products to children aged 5 or younger, the agency said. Others who may be at higher risk when the recommended dose is exceeded include people over age 55; patients who are dehydrated or have kidney disease, bowel obstruction or inflammation of the bowel; and patients who are using medications that may affect kidney function, the agency said.
[ via AHA News Now ]
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