Sodium Phosphate Enemas Can Cause Kidney Failure, Death in Elderly

A new study has linked sodium phosphate enemas, commonly used to relieve constipation, to kidney failure and even death in the elderly.

According to the researchers, the amount of sodium in the enema solution can overwhelm the kidneys of elderly people who frequently have kidney disesase, especially those who don't drink enough water. They recommended that high-risk individuals, including nursing home residents with a tendency toward atonic bowel, those taking medications with anti-cholinergic effects, individuals with colitis and patients with renal failure avoid enemas containing sodium phosphate.

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