potassium sulfate

Potassium sulfate is an inorganic salt that serves as an osmotic laxative, primarily utilized as a component of multi-salt oral solutions for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy. In clinical practice, it is frequently combined with sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate (as in the brand-name products Suprep and Eziclen). The mechanism of action involves the creation of an osmotic gradient within the intestinal lumen; because sulfate is a poorly absorbed anion, it retains water in the bowel, increasing intraluminal pressure and stimulating peristalsis to achieve thorough evacuation. Beyond its medical use, potassium sulfate is a major agricultural fertilizer providing both potassium and sulfur to crops, and it is also used in various industrial applications including the development of phosphor materials for dosimetry.

Other names

K2SO4K-2SO4K 2SO4sulfate of potashdipotassium sulfatepotassium sulphate