Medicines labeled for the same conditions
Alternatives to magnesium sulfate
3 other medicines are given the same way (oral) and in the same FDA class as magnesium sulfate or labeled mainly for the same use (constipation); 3 are in its class, calculi dissolution agents: polyethylene glycol 3350, lactulose and sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasic (FDA labels read October 8, 2026). In the same class, the lowest pharmacy cost is $0.0286 per gram (Polyethylene glycol 3350 powd) (what pharmacies paid in the NADAC survey; strengths differ).
Which medicines are labeled for the same conditions as magnesium sulfate?
Constipation lists all 20 medicines labeled for it, by any route. Each row shows the conditions both labels name. They are listed as public records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another depends on the person and is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine and FDA class | Shared indication | Generic labelers (oral) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium sulfatecalculi dissolution agent | this medicine | none listed | $0.0039 per gram Epsom salt | No | No current entry |
| Polyethylene glycol 3350osmotic laxative · same class | Constipation | 73 labelers | $0.0286 per gram 3350 powd | No | No current entry |
| Lactuloseosmotic laxative · same class | Constipation | 22 labelers | $8.22 per packet 10 g packet | No | No current entry |
| Sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasicosmotic laxative · same class | Constipation | 1 labeler | n/a | No | No current entry |
Source: FDA drug labels (indications) via openFDA; FDA NDC Directory; CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for each?
The headline NADAC price per unit of each medicine's most widely listed form; strengths differ, so compare like with like on each record.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
What next?
- Magnesium sulfate: the full record
- label, generics, price, shortages, recalls