What is this medication for?
This medicine is used to empty the bowel before endoscopy / colonoscopy (putting a camera to see the insides of your bowel), bowel surgery or x-ray examination. It is important that your bowel is completely empty so that the doctors can see it clearly. It is not used to treat constipation.
This medication works by increasing the water content in your stools in the large intestines or colon.
How should I take or use this medication?
- Take this medication as directed by your doctor.
- Take this medication (diluted with water) one or two days before your procedure according to the doctor's directed schedule to ensure bowel emptying.
- Unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional, dilute 45mL of Phospho-Soda in half a glass (120mL) of cold water. Drink this and follow it with at least one full glass (240mL) of cold water.
- Drink enough water or clear liquids as directed to prevent dehydration. "Clear liquid" means water, clear soup (not thick), fruit juice without pulp, tea or black coffee, clear beverages not containing carbonic gas.
- Usually, this medication takes about half to one hour to work. If no bowel movement is seen within six hours, contact your doctor.
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take a missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to make up for the one you have missed.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, stop breastfeeding while taking this medication and for 24 hours after the last dose.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have a heart or kidney condition.
- You suffer from changes in the blood level of various salts and electrolytes and /or dehydration (including recent nausea and vomiting) or are on a low-sodium diet.
- You have a history of blockage, loss of movement, or holes in the bowel (which may be due to disease or injury).
If you feel dizzy or dehydrated (too much loss of water) after taking this medication do not drive or operate machinery.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, chills, weakness and dizziness.
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
If your healthcare professional directs that you can consume meals or snacks while taking this medication then plain porridge, plain white bread, clear soups, boiled eggs or steamed fish is recommended. Please avoid fibre-rich, high fat and spicy food (which may irritate the stomach and cause more discomfort). This includes vegetables, fruits, cereal, milk and creamy products, brown rice and nuts. It is important to follow the dietary guidelines provided by your doctor in order for you to ensure an effective and successful examination.
Iron, calcium, antacid preparations, and sucralfate may reduce the effect of this medication. Space these preparations at least 2 hours apart from this medication to minimize this effect.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Discard any unused medications immediately after opening.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore