dibasic sodium phosphate

Dibasic sodium phosphate (Na₂HPO₄) is an inorganic small molecule used primarily as an osmotic laxative and a phosphate replacement agent. As a laxative, it works by increasing the osmotic pressure in the small intestine, which draws water into the lumen, resulting in bowel distension and stimulated peristalsis. This effect is commonly utilized for colon cleansing prior to colonoscopy or surgery, often in combination with monobasic sodium phosphate. In the context of electrolyte management, it is administered intravenously to treat or prevent hypophosphatemia in patients with restricted oral intake or impaired absorption. Additionally, it is a ubiquitous pharmaceutical excipient used for pH buffering and stabilization in a wide range of injectable, ophthalmic, and oral drug products.

Brand names

Fleet Phospho-soda EZ-PrepOsmoPrepPhospho-SodaVisicolBss Ophthalmic SolutionFleet Mineral OilGlycerolyte 57Glycerolyte57Glycerolyte-57Isolyte S pH 7.4K-phos NeutralPedia-lax LiquidPhoxillumTis-U-sol

Other names

disodium phosphatesodium phosphate dibasicdisodium hydrogen phosphatesodium hydrogen phosphateNa2HPO4Na-2HPO4Na 2HPO4disodium orthophosphate