Guidelines for the safe and effective use of sodium phosphate solution for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy

Oral sodium phosphate solution is used worldwide as a bowel preparation for colonoscopy, surgery, and medical-imaging procedures. Although recent reports of adverse renal effects associated with sodium phosphate raise concern, sodium phosphate preparations remain safe and effective choices for patients who receive proper instruction for their use. Improper use of any bowel preparation can lead to complications. The purpose of this article is to provide a guide for selecting those patients for whom oral sodium phosphate solution is an appropriate bowel-cleansing choice and to review the importance of patient education, dosing, and hydration to help ensure that clinicians and patients use these preparations safely.