Public Citizen cites a recent study by the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology which says drugs containing sodium phosphate are an under-recognized cause of chronic kidney failure.
The research shows that people with inadequate hydration, a history of high blood pressure, or who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are at greater risk of kidney problems when using the cleansing products.
HealthDay News reports scientists at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons reviewed all the kidney biopsies performed at the facility between January 2000 and December 2004.
They found that 31 patients had kidney damage consistent with phosphate toxicity. Of those patients, 20 had consumed oral phosphate solutions before a colonoscopy.
Bowel-cleansing drugs that contain sodium phosphate include prescription Visicol and the non-prescription product Fleet Phospho-soda.
