sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate Health Article

Generic name(s):

sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate

Brand name(s):

sodium biphosphate-sodium phosphate, Fleet Enema, Fleet Enema for Children, Fleet Phospho Soda, OsmoPrep, Visicol

What is the most important information I should know about sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

When using this medication in a child, use only the forms that are specially made for children. Do not use sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease, have congestive heart failure, have an electrolyte imbalance; or are on a sodium restricted diet. Dangerous, even life-threatening, toxicity may occur while using sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate if you have any of these conditions.

What is sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate?

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate are forms of phosphorus, which is a naturally occurring substance that is important in every cell in the body.

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate is used to treat constipation and to clean the bowel before surgery, x-rays, endoscopy, or other intestinal procedures. Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate enemas are also used for general care after surgery and to help relieve impacted bowels.

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate?

Do not use this medication if you have:

• ascites (fluid around your liver);

• congestive heart failure;

• unstable angina (chest pain);

• a perforated bowel;

• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation or

• colitis or toxic megacolon.

If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

Talk with your doctor before using sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate if you have:

• nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

• trouble swallowing;

• a heart rhythm disorder (such as "Long-QT syndrome");

• a history heart attack, heart surgery, or bypass surgery within the past 3 months;

• kidney disease;

• underactive thyroid;

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium, sodium, phosphorous, or magnesium in your blood);

• a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks;

• if you take a diuretic (a water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), and others;

• if you are on a salt-restricted diet; or

• if you have used a laxative for longer than 1 week.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is also not known whether sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate will harm a nursing infant. Do not use sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding baby.