FDA Warns of Adverse Effects of Sodium Phosphate Overdose

Exceeding the recommended dosage of the constipation medicine sodium phosphate can lead to kidney and heart damage and eventual death, warned the FDA. The warning identifies more than 50 adverse events involving severe dehydration and disturbances to serum levels of electrolytes (calcium, sodium, and phosphate) in both the oral and rectal forms of sodium phosphate. They reported that most adverse events occurred after taking a single, larger than recommended dose of sodium phosphate. Those at greatest risk for adverse events include adults over 55 years old and children younger than 5 years old. Patients taking the drug are advised to take less than the maximum dose once within 24 hours and to stay well hydrated.

–Michael Potts Sodium

Reference:

Phosphate Over-the-Counter Products: Drug Safety Communication - Possible Harm From Exceeding Recommended Dose. US Food and Drug Administration. January 8, 2014. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm380833.htm.