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A group of phosphate salts used as osmotic laxatives to evacuate the bowel before abdominal X-ray examinations or before investigative procedures or surgery of the bowel. They are also used to relieve postoperative constipation and in obstetrics.
The common phosphate laxatives are sodium acid phosphate and sodium phosphate which are available as enemas or suppositories and can be obtained without a prescription, but only from pharmacies. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate and disodium phosphate dodecahydrate are ingredients in bowel-cleansing solutions.
Side effects: there may be local irritation.
Precautions: phosphates should be used with caution in elderly people and should not be used in patients with acute gastrointestinal disorders.

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