Phospho soda

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Phospho soda is an over the counter saline laxative consisting mostly of monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate and dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate. It is often taken to prepare for colonoscopy.

An amount of Phospho soda (normally 1.5fluid ounce or 45 ml) is usually mixed with water or other clear liquids such as ginger ale. This preparation usually results in a bowel movement anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours after it is taken. Phospho soda is also available in flavors to make it more palatable.[1]

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[edit] Safety issues

The use of Phospho soda has been known to lead to Acute Phosphate Nephropathy. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Acute phosphate nephropathy is a form of acute kidney injury that is associated with deposits of calcium-phosphate crystals in the renal tubules that may result in permanent renal function impairment. Acute phosphate nephropathy is a rare, serious adverse event that has been associated with the use of OSPs. The occurrence of these events was previously described in an Information for Healthcare Professionals sheet and an FDA Science Paper issued in May 2006. Additional cases of acute phosphate nephropathy have been reported to FDA and described in the literature since these were issued." [2]

Fleet’s Phospho-soda products have been linked to kidney damage since the 1990s.[3]

On December 11, 2008, the FDA issued a Safety Alert stating that "FDA has become aware of reports of acute phosphate nephropathy, a type of acute kidney injury, associated with the use of oral sodium phosphate products (OSP) for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other procedures. These products include the prescription products, Visicol and OsmoPrep, and OSPs available over-the-counter without a prescription as laxatives (e.g., Fleet Phospho-soda). In some cases when used for bowel cleansing, these serious adverse events have occurred in patients without identifiable factors that would put them at risk for developing acute kidney injury ... The agency is equally concerned about the risks associated with the use of OSP products that are available over-the-counter (OTC), for example, Fleet Phospho-soda, when used at higher doses for bowel cleansing."[4]

[edit] Recall

Following FDA's Alert, C.B. Fleet recalled its Fleet Phospho-Soda Products.[5]

[edit] Use as a laxative

Phospho soda can be used for a general laxative, but is not recommended. The dosage then is best cut in half and used only once instead of twice.

Phospho soda works by drawing liquid from the body into the colon, therefore it can cause severe dehydration if not used properly, and sometimes can even then. Usage in this context is highly recommended to be performed with a doctor's knowledge and consent.

[edit] Pre-colonoscopy usage

When Phospho soda is taken for colonoscopy prep the dose is usually 1.5 fluid ounces, twice in one day (3 oz total) usually 6 hours apart and is to be mixed with equal parts water (or other clear liquid) and then followed by 8 oz water. It will create very loose, {liquid} stool within 1/2 hour to 6 hours, usually about one hour.

A 2007 study showed that in patients with decreased renal function, Phospho soda may worsen renal impairment compared to polyethylene glycol-based laxatives. In patients without kidney problems, no difference was observed.[6]

[edit] Litigation

Since late 2004, there has been a great deal of litigation in both state and federal courts alleging renal injury following the use of Fleet Phospho-Soda. On June 23, 2009, the United States Judicial Panel on Multi District Litigation consolidated[7] all federal Oral Sodium Phosphate Solution lawsuits to the Northern District of Ohio, before the Honorable Ann Aldrich. [8] Additional documents from Phospho-Soda lawsuits have been published at the website DangerousDrugs.us[9]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Fleet Phospho-soda Oral Saline Laxative". http://www.phosphosoda.com/faq.php?panel=3. Retrieved 2008-08-20. 
  2. ^ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm103354.htm
  3. ^ http://www2.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/c.b._fleet_says_its_laxatives_are_safe/17323/
  4. ^ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm103354.htm
  5. ^ http://www.fleetez-prep.com/pdf/Press%20Release%20-%2011%20December%202008.pdf
  6. ^ Russmann S, Lamerato L, Marfatia A, et al. (2007). "Risk of impaired renal function after colonoscopy: a cohort study in patients receiving either oral sodium phosphate or polyethylene glycol". Am. J. Gastroenterol. 102 (12): 2655–63. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01610.x. PMID 17970832. 
  7. ^ http://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/Recent_Orders/MDL_2066-TransferOrder.pdf
  8. ^ http://www.phosphosodalawyers.com/
  9. ^ http://www.dangerousdrugs.us]

[edit] External links