Sodium Sulfate
Sodium sulfate is a saline laxative used for bowel preparation before colonoscopy or surgery and short-term treatment of constipation by increasing water in the intestines.
Sodium sulfate is a fast-acting saline laxative used to clear the bowels before medical procedures or for short-term constipation relief.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A06
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Sodium Sulfate
- Class
- atc-a06
- Brands
- Sutab, Golytely, MoviPrep, GaviLyte-C, Gavilyte-G
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- unknown
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 3
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- powder for oral solution, oral tablet
- Regions
- United States, Canada, Europe, Australia
- Monitoring
- fluid status, electrolyte balance, renal function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 240ml (one bottle) twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- split dose: evening before and morning of procedure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 45ml/kg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- split dose: evening before and morning of procedure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 120ml twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- split dose: evening before and morning of procedure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
generaluse only if benefits outweigh risks
avoid during pregnancy unless colonoscopy is urgently needed; consider alternative bowel preparation methods
fetal monitoring if use is essential
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
generalno dosage adjustment needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding; minimal systemic absorption
standard monitoring
geriatric
65 years and olderuse with caution; ensure adequate hydration
use lower volume preparations; monitor closely for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances; assess cardiovascular and renal function before use
electrolyte monitoring, hydration status, vital signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
2 to 18 yearsweight-based dosing required
use pediatric formulations; ensure age-appropriate dosing; maintain hydration
hydration status, electrolyte monitoring in young children
renal_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution; ensure adequate hydration
avoid in severe renal impairment; monitor electrolytes; ensure good hydration
renal function tests, electrolytes, hydration status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno routine dosage adjustment needed
generally safe; not significantly metabolized by liver; standard precautions apply
standard monitoring
alcohol_users
chronic useensure adequate hydration; consider supplemental electrolytes
alcohol users may be at higher risk for dehydration; encourage increased fluid intake before and after preparation
hydration status, electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for bowel preparation agents
Drug class
Drug class information for Sodium Sulfate-based bowel preparations
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for Sodium Sulfate products (Sutab, Golytely, MoviPrep, GaviLyte-C, Gavilyte-G)
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism information
Bowel preparation before colonoscopy, radiography, or surgery; short-term treatment of constipation; removal of toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract.
As an osmotic laxative, sodium sulfate draws water into the intestinal lumen through osmosis, which softens stool, increases intestinal pressure, and stimulates peristalsis to promote rapid bowel evacuation.
Should only be used short-term under medical supervision. Contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction, severe renal impairment, or congestive heart failure. May cause electrolyte imbalances (particularly sodium); adequate hydration is essential. Not recommended for long-term use or in elderly patients without physician guidance.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy