You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sodium phosphate dibasic or to sodium phosphate monobasic, or if you have a certain kidney disease called acute phosphate nephropathy.
How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. This medicine usually causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
If you are using this medicine to empty your bowels before surgery or medical tests, follow your doctor's instructions about when to use this medicine. It is important to follow the correct schedule.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You should mix the liquid form with at least 4 ounces (one-half glass) of water before you drink it. After taking the liquid medicine, drink another full glass (8 ounces) of water, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
You will take several tablets at the same time. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take. Take each group of tablets with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
If you use the Visicol® tablets, do not use them a second time until 7 days (one week) have passed since your last dose. Your doctor will tell you if you need to use this medicine again.
Drink as much extra liquid as you can before, during, and after taking this medicine. This will help replace the fluids you are losing with your bowel movements. This will also keep your kidneys working well and help soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The oral liquid can be chilled to improve the taste. Do not freeze the liquid form.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines that contain sodium phosphate (such as oral saline laxatives or Phospho-Soda®), medicines to lower blood pressure (such as hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, quinapril, Lasix®, Accupril®, Cozaar®, or Diovan®), medicines to treat depression (such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, or Sinequan®), or pain and arthritis medicines (sometimes called "NSAIDs") such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, or Aleve®.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cisapride (Propulsid®), dofetilide (Tikosyn®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), or levofloxacin (Levaquin®). Tell your doctor if you have recently stopped using alcohol, or if you are taking medicines for sleep called benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan®, or Xanax®).
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart problems, a history of seizures, electrolyte problems (such as high or low amounts of calcium, phosphate, potassium, or sodium in your blood), or if you are on a low salt diet.
Tell your doctor if you have problems with your bowels (such as blocked bowels), stomach problems, trouble swallowing, or a condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Make sure your doctor knows if you have had any type of stomach surgery.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
Dizziness or fainting.
Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
Red or black stools.
Seizures.
Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or bloating.
