Sodium sulfate versus Magnesium sulfate

What do you prefer to move the bowels: To swallow a solution of Sodium sulfate or a solution of Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)?

For me, neither of the above. Both have serious impacts on kidney function and as a person who has end-stage renal disease, either of them would be a disaster. I'm a Miralax girl, all the way.

Hi Ricini. I think that you will find that most common saline laxatives are based on a magnesium compound. That is because magnesium is poorly absorbed from the gut whereas sodium is rapidly absorbed. Magnesium salts hold water in the bowel and produce a softening and flushing action. Milk of Magnesia, MOM, is the mildest, citrate of magnesia is moderately strong and Epsom Salt, Magnesium sulfate is quite quick and powerful.

Actually on a gram for gram basis, Sodium Sulfate (Glauber's Salt) is about twice as potent as Magnesium Sulfate, However both taste pretty awful. Sulfates just don't taste very good, and that was the reason for the development of the sulfate free PEG bowel prep solutions like Nulytely®.

Interestingly enough the combination of Sodium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate and Potassium Sulfate is the basis of a commercial Bowel Prep product called SuPrep®.

Amazing how much money they can charge for such cheap chemicals!

In swallowing a solution of Sodium sulfate or a solution of Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) it is very important to pay attention to two points:

1. In order to cleanse the bowels in a sufficient manner the volume of the solution should be sufficient: at least 1/2 liter, better 3/4 liter.

2. The solution ought to be isotonic: a solution of Sodium sulfate is isotonic at 3,2 % (e. g. 24 g Sodium sulfate in 3/4 liter warm water), a solution of Magnesium sulfate is isotonic at 4,0 % (e. g. 30 g Magnesium sulfate in 3/4 liter war water).

I HAVE used Epsom Salt in many enemas. Epsom Salt and soapsuds together in the same enema is what I use when I want a very thorough purge.

I have NEVER taken it orally, and have no plans to do so.

I am not familiar with sodium sulfate, but it doesn't sound like anything I want to mess with.

With Epsom Salt, some things you have to be careful of:

1 Round ONLY! Your kidneys CAN'T TAKE IT twice that close together.

After one round, get your clear return with SOAPSUDS ONLY.

No more frequently than every 2-3 months!! No excuses.

With Epsom Salt, the "therapeutic window," that is the gap between a good thorough purge and a dangerous electrolyte depletion is rather narrow.

Retain the enema 15 minutes, but no longer!! Too much risk of isotonic shock.

If any of the symptoms of electrolyte depletion are present STOP!!

When used as an enema, Epsom Salt is even faster than orally. Bowel movements start in about 15 minutes!!

Epsom Salt is readily available, and inexpensive.

Sooo, Epsom Salt in an enema is a good choice, but ONLY WHEN YOU NEED A THOROUGH PURGE!!

DON'T TAKE IT TOO OFTEN!!!

LisaK,

You are right: "Sooo, Epsom Salt in an enema is a good choice, but ONLY WHEN YOU NEED A THOROUGH PURGE!! DON'T TAKE IT TOO OFTEN!!!" - So I prefer to swallow a good dose (at least 2 oz) Castor Oil, for this will not work directly like all the other laxatives but indirectly by activating substances of the human body: Never will the human body be habituated to Castor Oil; even lasting for decades it will work!