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Bowel-Cleansing Products Linked to Kidney Failure

Posted on: Thursday, 16 March 2006, 03:03 CST

Certain bowcleansing products used prior to colonoscopies are linked to chronic kidney failure, according to Public Citizen, the consumer advocacy organization. It cited recent research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology showing bowel- cleansing products containing sodium phosphate are an under- recognized cause of chronic kidney failure in the U.S.

Common bowel-cleansing drugs that include sodium phosphate are Visicol, a prescription oral tablet, and the non-prescription product Fleet Phospho-soda. Researchers cite several potential factors that may contribute to the development of kidney problems from sodium phosphate bowel-cleansing agents, including inadequate hydration, history of high blood pressure and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Researchers from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York reviewed all of the kidney biopsies that were received in their facility between January 2000 and December 2004 and found 31 patients who had kidney damage that was consistent with phosphate toxicity, 20 of whom took oral phosphate solutions prior to having colonoscopies.

The organization's Web site gives consumers information about life-threatening liver toxicity associated with the widely prescribed antibiotic telithromycin (Ketek), as well as information about the increased risk of potentially fatal blood clots associated with Ortho Evra.

Worst Pills, Best Pills is a monthly newsletter available in print and electronic formats through Public Citizen's Web site, www.WorstPills.org. Public Citizen warned consumers about the dangers of Vioxx, ephedra, Baycol and Propulsid years before the drugs were pulled.

- Carolyn Susman

Source: Palm Beach Post

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