how is phosphate salts used?
<answer> Phosphate salts are also used for improving exercise performance, as an antacid for gastroesophageal reflux disease , and as a laxative for emptying the bowels before surgery. Phosphate salts are used as a laxative to clean the bowels before surgery or intestinal tests. <context> Phosphate salts are also used for improving exercise performance, as an antacid for gastroesophageal reflux disease , and as a laxative for emptying the bowels before surgery. Phosphate salts and calcium are applied to sensitive teeth to reduce pain. Rectally, phosphate salts are used as a laxative to clean the bowels before surgery or intestinal tests. Healthcare providers sometimes give potassium phosphate intravenously (by IV) for treating low phosphate and high calcium levels in the blood, and for preventing low phosphate in patients who are being tube-fed.