Sutab

Generic name:magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate [ mag-NEE-zee-um-SUL-fate, poe-TASS-ee-um-KLOR-ide, and-SOE-dee-um-SUL-fate ]
Drug class:Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 14, 2021.

What is Sutab?

Sutab contains a combination of magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate. Magnesium, potassium, and sodium are electrolyte minerals that occur naturally in body fluids.

Sutab is a prescription medicine used by adults to cleanse the colon before a colonoscopy.

Sutab causes diarrhea which cleans out the colon. Cleaning the colon (bowel prep) allows the inside of your colon to be seen more clearly on the colonoscopy.

Warnings

Sutab can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or kidney failure.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Sutab if you are allergic to magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, or sodium sulfate, or if you have:

• a bowel obstruction, colitis or toxic megacolon;

• a dilated intestine;

• a perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines; or

• slow digestion.

To make sure Sutab is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever ha...