'Taking just one too many laxatives could kill you'

Taking just one laxative too many could lead to potentially fatal side effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned.

The FDA says there have been dozens of reports of serious side effects, and 13 reported deaths, after people overdosed on sodium phosphate laxatives.

Laxatives come in different forms, with different ingredients. 

The sodium phosphate used in some products is in a class of medications called saline laxatives. 

This class of laxatives helps promote a bowel movement by drawing water into the bowel, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.

Laxative products containing sodium phosphates are often sold as store brands and generic products.

All of them are potentially associated with serious side effects, such as dehydration and abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood that can lead to serious complications, such as kidney damage and sometimes death.

According to Dr Mona Khurana, a medical officer in the FDA's Division of Nonprescription Regulation Development, the most serious harm occurred after people overdosed by taking a single dose that was higher than recommended or took more than one dose in a day.

The FDA says side effects can include severe dehydration and kidney problems.

SOURCE-DAILYM