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What are Sodium Phosphate Monobasic Monohydrate; Sodium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous tablets?

SODIUM PHOSPHATE SALTS (Osmoprep™, Visicol®) are laxative tablets that are taken by mouth to cleanse the colon and intestines before medical procedures like a colonoscopy or surgery.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• a history of blockage of the stomach or intestine
• an alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis
• difficulty swallowing or esophagus problems
• heart or circulation problems like angina, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or history of heart attack
• high or low blood levels of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, or potassium
• hypothyroidism
• kidney disease
• low salt diet
• recent abdominal surgery
• scleroderma
• seizures or seizure disorder
• stomach distension or pain
• stomach or intestinal problems
• an unusual reaction to sodium phosphates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. You will need to have a clear liquid diet for at least 12 hours before you take this medicine. Drink only clear liquids such as clear soup (bouillon), ginger ale, or apple juice. Do not take your medicine less often or more often than directed. Do not take any additional enema or laxative while taking this medicine. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated before, during, and after the use of this medicine. After you take this medicine, you will have several watery bowel movements until only clear movements occur. Make sure to stay close to the bathroom.

The evening before the colonoscopy, take the prescribed number of tablets every 15 minutes with at least 8 ounces of water, apple juice, or white grape juice until you have taken all the tablets prescribed for that evening. The next day, at least 3 to 5 hours before the colonoscopy, take the prescribed number of tablets every 15 minutes with at least 8 ounces of clear liquid until you have taken all the tablets prescribed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Call your prescriber for instructions if you are not able to complete the bowel preparation as advised. An inadequate preparation may affect the examination results or could possibly delay your surgery.

What drug(s) may interact with Sodium Phosphate Monobasic Monohydrate; Sodium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous?

• alcohol
• antacids
• antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, sparfloxacin, and grepafloxacin
• antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, like ibuprofen
• antimalarial medicines like halofantrine chloroquine, or quinidine
• arsenic trioxide
• calcium or magnesium supplements
• cimetidine
• cisapride
• cocaine
• colestipol
• laxatives
• levomethadyl
• medications or herbal products for weight control or appetite
• medicines for difficulty sleeping or anxiety
• medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
• medicines for mental depression, emotional, or psychotic disturbances
• oral steroids like prednisone
• pentamidine
• probucol
• theophylline
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Sodium Phosphate Monobasic Monohydrate; Sodium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous?

You should not take more than one course of this medicine within 7 days. See your healthcare professional for changes in bowel habits, including constipation that is severe or lasts a long time.

It is normal to see partially digested tablets in your stool. You should not take any other medications while taking this tablet unless your doctor tells you to.

Be sure to drink at least 8 ounces of clear liquid with each dose. If you do not, you may become dehydrated or you may not be able to clean all the waste from your colon. If this were to occur, you may need to have a repeat exam.

If you are over the age of 65, you may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your health care provider about this.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Sodium Phosphate Monobasic Monohydrate; Sodium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• chest pain or tightness, irregular heartbeat
• confusion or dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• hives or skin rash
• increased thirst
• itching of the skin
• mood or mental changes
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• severe bloating, pain, or distension of the stomach
• seizures (convulsions)
• swelling of the face, tongue, lips, feet and legs
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bloating
• lower abdominal discomfort or cramps
• nausea
• passing gas

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Throw away any unused medicine.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.