Uses

This medication is used to clean out the intestines before a colonoscopy. Sodium phosphate is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon, causing you to have watery bowel movements. This cleans out the intestines so that your doctor can clearly view them during your colonoscopy.This medication should not be used for weight loss or constipation due to the possibility of severe side effects.

How to use Osmoprep

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor should tell you how long before the procedure you should take this product. Follow your doctor's directions closely. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow any special dietary instructions given by your doctor. A period of not eating is usually recommended before you start taking this medication and lasting until after the colonoscopy. Only clear liquids (such as water, flavored water, lemonade with no pulp, ginger ale, apple juice) are allowed during this time. Do not drink any liquids colored purple or red.

Take this medication as directed by your doctor. The evening before your colonoscopy, take 4 tablets with at least 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of clear liquid by mouth every 15 minutes or as directed by your doctor. Repeat this dose and the liquids every 15 minutes until you have taken 5 doses (20 tablets). The next day, start taking the medication 3-5 hours before the colonoscopy. Take 4 tablets every 15 minutes with liquids as directed until you have taken 3 doses (12 tablets).

The dosage is based on your medical condition, procedure, and response to treatment. Do not use a higher dose or more often than directed by your doctor.

This drug may decrease your absorption of other medications. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking this drug. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Do not use any other laxative products (especially sodium phosphate) while taking this product or for 7 days after treatment is finished. Doing so may increase your risk for severe side effects.

Watery bowel movements usually begin 1 hour after you start to take the tablets. The bowel movements can be very large and watery. Drink as many clear liquids as you can before, during, and after taking this medication so that you do not become dehydrated. Doing so will help prevent serious side effects (such as kidney problems). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

The watery bowel movements from sodium phosphate may decrease the absorption of your regular medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about how to minimize this effect.

Contact your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement within 3 hours after taking this medication.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain or bloating, dizziness, and headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This may cause serious side effects to the kidneys and heart. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, muscle weakness/cramping, or pale/wrinkled skin.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain that is severe or doesn't go away, black/bloody stools, rectal bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, unusual drowsiness).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Warnings

Rarely, serious kidney problems have occurred with the use of this product. Kidney disease, bowel problems (such as colitis or obstruction), severe loss of body water (dehydration), or being older than 55 years can increase the risk. Taking certain medications that can affect the kidneys (see Drug Interactions section) can also increase the risk. If any of these cautions apply to you, talk with your doctor before using this drug. Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration.

Precautions

See also How to Use section.

Before taking sodium phosphate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as heart failure, irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG, chest pain, heart attack or heart surgery within the last 3 months), stomach/bowel problems (such as blockage, irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, severe constipation), gastric bypass/stapling, low blood minerals, dehydration, kidney problems, liver problems (such as cirrhosis, fluid build-up in the abdomen), salt restricted diet, daily alcohol or sedative use, seizure problem, swallowing problems (such as narrowing of the swallowing tube/esophagus).

Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially kidney problems, dehydration, severe dizziness, fainting, and fast/irregular heartbeat.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: burosumab, drugs that may affect the kidneys (including ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, ARBs such as valsartan, diuretics/"water pills" such as furosemide/hydrochlorothiazide, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood mineral levels, EKG, kidney function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

This medication should be used as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.