The Basics
What is Sodium Phosphate?
Saline laxative that is thought to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine.
Brand names for Sodium Phosphate
Na
How Sodium Phosphate is classified
Cathartics, Electrolyte, Gastrointestinal Agents, Minerals
Sodium Phosphate During Pregnancy
Sodium Phosphate pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Sodium Phosphate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Sodium Phosphate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Sodium Phosphate?
Phosphate is a normal constituent of breastmilk. Phosphate concentrations have not been measured in breastmilk after large maternal doses of sodium phosphate, such a 30 gram oral dose for pre-procedural bowel evacuation. However, the added phosphate in breastmilk is likely to be only about 130 mg over 24 hours in this situation. The increase from a typical dose of a rectal enema would be considerably less than this amount. Breastmilk sodium concentration is tightly regulated, and will not be affected. It is probably not necessary to suspend breastfeeding after the use of oral sodium phosphate solutions given once or twice for bowel evacuation before a procedure, but if there is concern, suspension of nursing for 24 hours after a dose should result in negligible increase in phosphate ingestion by the infant. Use of a phosphate rectal enema by a nursing mother would require no special precautions.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Phosphate is a normal constituent of breastmilk. Phosphate concentrations have not been measured in breastmilk after large maternal doses of sodium phosphate, such a 30 gram oral dose for pre-procedural bowel evacuation. However, the added phosphate in breastmilk is likely to be only about 130 mg over 24 hours in this situation. The increase from a typical dose of a rectal enema would be considerably less than this amount. Breastmilk sodium concentration is tightly regulated, and will not be affected. It is probably not necessary to suspend breastfeeding after the use of oral sodium phosphate solutions given once or twice for bowel evacuation before a procedure, but if there is concern, suspension of nursing for 24 hours after a dose should result in negligible increase in phosphate ingestion by the infant. Use of a phosphate rectal enema by a nursing mother would require no special precautions.
Possible effects of Sodium Phosphate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Sodium Phosphate
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Kent JC, Arthur PG, Retallack RW, Hartmann PE. Calcium, phosphate and citrate in human milk at initiation of lactation. J Dairy Res. 1992;59:161-7. PMID: 1613174
2. Allen JC, Keller RP, Archer P, Neville MC. Studies in human lactation: milk composition and daily secretion rates of macronutrients in the first year of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;54:69-80. PMID: 2058590
3. Ehrenpreis ED. Increased serum phosphate levels and calcium fluxes are seen in smaller individuals after a single dose of sodium phosphate colon cleansing solution: a pharmacokinetic analysis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009;29:1202-11. PMID: 19298584
4. Visicol package insert. Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. December 2010.
5. Schuchmann GD, Barcia PJ. Phosphate absorption from fleet enemas in adults. Curr Surg. 1989;46:120-2. PMID: 2736963
6. Rimensberger P, Schubiger G, Willi U. Connatal rickets following repeated administration of phosphate enemas in pregnancy: a case report. Eur J Pediatr. 1992;151:54-6. PMID: 1728548
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
