Sodium monohydrogen phosphate is one of the laxatives. It is usually used together with sodium dihydrogen phosphate.
What is sodium monohydrogen phosphate?
Sodium monohydrogen phosphate is one of the laxatives. Sodium monohydrogen phosphate also bears the name sodium monohydrogen phosphatum. For the treatment of constipation, the agent is administered together with sodium dihydrogen phosphate, also called sodium dihydrogen phosphatum. The agent is an ionic salt that is odorless and colorless. Together, sodium monohydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate form an efficient component of laxatives (laxatives). Laxatives are administered when existing constipation cannot be effectively treated by lifestyle changes. Sodium monohydrogen phosphate has the property of softening the stool and thus facilitating complete emptying of the bowel. The combination preparation is usually sold under the name sodium dihydrogen phosphate + sodium monohydrogen phosphate. The remedy is available in pharmacies as an enema (enema fluid).
Pharmacological action
Sodium monohydrogen phosphate, like sodium dihydrogen phosphate, belongs to the saline laxatives. This means that these substances increase the water content of the stool. The laxative is usually administered as a solution, which the patient introduces into the rectum via the anus. However, oral administration in liquid form is also possible. When the sodium monohydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate reach the hardened stool, they penetrate it and bind the water contained in it. In this way it is possible to soften the feces, which in turn facilitates defecation. The urge to defecate is caused by the increase in the volume of feces. In most cases, the agent is able to ensure the complete emptying of the bowel. This can also be extremely important for medical examinations of the intestine or surgical procedures on the organ. The effect of sodium monohydrogen phosphate sets in after about 5 to 10 minutes. Therefore, staying near the toilet is recommended.
Medical application and use
For use, sodium monohydrogen phosphate is used in combination with sodium dihydrogen phosphate for the treatment of constipation, the causes of which may vary. Another field of application is medical examinations or operations of the intestine, before which a complete emptying of the digestive organ is necessary. The laxative can also be used in the context of childbirth.
Risks and side effects
Similar to other laxatives, undesirable side effects are conceivable as a result of taking sodium monohydrogen phosphate in combination with sodium dihydrogen phosphate. An occurrence of these side effects need not automatically occur in every patient. For example, reactions to drugs vary greatly from person to person. In young children, there is a risk of electrolyte disturbances due to the intake of sodium monohydrogen phosphate. In this case, either the concentration of phosphate in the blood or the concentration of sodium in the blood of the affected child increases. The electrolyte disturbances sometimes result in other harmful effects. These include increased excitation of nerves and muscles and cardiac arrhythmias. If a patient already has pre-damaged kidneys, acute kidney failure is possible. For this reason, sodium monohydrogen phosphate may only be administered if no other phosphate-free laxative is available. Sodium monohydrogen phosphate must not be taken at all if the patient suffers from kidney dysfunction, inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis), bleeding in the gastrointestinal region or appendicitis. Other contraindications include chronic inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, changes in the colon, unknown gastrointestinal symptoms, and nausea and vomiting. In pregnancy and lactation, the active substance combination sodium monohydrogen phosphate + sodium dihydrogen phosphate may be used with restrictions. However, the benefit and risk must be carefully weighed up by the doctor in advance. In early pregnancy, a miscarriage cannot be completely ruled out due to the use of the agent. The same applies to premature birth.In principle, children can also be treated with sodium monohydrogen phosphate. The dose depends on the age and weight of the affected child. Since constipation in children must always be medically clarified, a doctor should also be consulted. Interactions caused by taking the active ingredient combination sodium dihydrogen phosphate + sodium monohydrogen phosphate are also possible. If the two drugs are taken together with other laxatives, the effect may be enhanced.
