Sodium/potassium/magnesium sulfate solution is used to
clean out the intestines before a certain bowel exam procedure
(colonoscopy). It is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of
water into the colon. This causes watery bowel movements. Clearing stool
from the intestines helps your doctor to better examine the intestines
during your procedure.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each
time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Follow any special diet instructions provided by your
doctor. Usually, you may have a small breakfast or only clear liquids on
the day before your procedure. After breakfast, you may only drink clear
liquids until after your procedure. Do not drink milk or alcoholic
beverages or eat/drink anything colored red or purple. To prevent becoming
dehydrated, drink as much clear liquid as you can before, during, and after
drinking this medication unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
Do not take any other medications by mouth within 1 hour
of starting to drink the mixture. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are
not sure when to take your other medications.
Use this product as directed by your doctor, usually one
dose the evening before the colonoscopy and the second dose the next day in
the morning. The dosage is based on your age and medical
condition.
Before using this product, pour the contents into the
mixing container as directed by the manufacturer. Add cool water, mix, and
drink all of the mixture. After drinking the mixture, drink 2 additional
containers filled with water over the next hour. Be sure to finish drinking
all of the mixture and required water at least 2 hours before your
procedure, or as directed.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
about how to mix or take this product or what to expect after taking this
product.
Watery bowel movements usually begin about 1 hour after
you drink the mixed liquid. The bowel movements can be very large and
watery.
Very watery bowel movements are expected with this
medication. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or stomach/abdominal cramping 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.
This medication can cause your body to lose too much
fluid and salts (dehydration, electrolyte problems). Tell your doctor right
away if you have any of these serious side effects:
- severe dizziness
- fainting
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- trouble keeping liquids down
- prolonged vomiting
- headache
- seizure
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- stomach/abdominal pain that is severe or doesn't go
away
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- bloody stools
- rectal bleeding
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.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any 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:
- blocked intestines (gastrointestinal obstruction)
- hole in the intestines
- severe ulcers/swelling of the colon (ulcerative
colitis)
- severe infection in the intestines (such as toxic colitis,
toxic megacolon)
- stomach/intestines that empty slowly or are not moving
(gastric retention, ileus)
- trouble swallowing
- trouble keeping food down (regurgitation)
- history of breathing food/other substances into the lungs
(aspiration)
- gout
- heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain,
heart failure)
- kidney problems
- seizure
- regular use of alcohol or other sedatives
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
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 breastfeeding.
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
drugs that can change the amount of water, sodium, or potassium in your
body, such as:
- heart/blood pressure medications called ARBs (such as
valsartan)
- heart/blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors (such
as captopril, enalapril)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs (such as
ibuprofen, naproxen)
- "water pills" such as thiazide diuretics
Do not take/use other laxatives while taking this
product.
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab tests (such as sodium, potassium levels) may be done
before or after taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you are unable to drink all of the solution and water
as directed, call your doctor right away. Your test may need to be
rescheduled.
Store the unmixed container at room temperature. 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.