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February 8, 2012
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sodium phosphate monobasic/dibasic (with cellulose) - oral, Visicol

GENERIC NAME: SODIUM PHOSPHATE MONOBASIC/DIBASIC (WITH CELLULOSE) - ORAL (SOE-dee-um FOS-fate MAW-no-BAY-sik/dye-BAY-sik /CELL-you-lohss)

BRAND NAME(S): Visicol

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: 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.

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: 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 are uncertain about any of the information, consult 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 are allowed during this time.The evening before your colonoscopy, take 3 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 6 doses (18 tablets). Wait 15 more minutes, then take 2 tablets with liquid as directed. You should take a total of 20 tablets in the evening. The next day, start taking the medication 3-5 hours before the colonoscopy. Take 3 tablets every 15 minutes with liquids as directed until you have taken 6 doses (18 tablets). Wait 15 more minutes, then take 2 tablets with liquid as directed. You should take a total of 20 tablets the day of your colonoscopy.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.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 lose too much body water (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.




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sodium phosphate monobasic/dibasic (with cellulose) - oral, Visicol

What is colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables an examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to evaluate the inside of the colon (large intestine or large bowel). The colonoscope is a four foot long, flexible tube about the thickness of a finger with a camera and a source of light at its tip. The tip of the colonoscope is inserted into the anus and then is advanced slowly, under visual control, into the rectum and through the colon usually as far as the cecum, which is the first part of the colon.

Why is colonoscopy done?

Colonoscopy may be done for a variety of reasons. Most often it is done to investigate the cause of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a change in bowel habit, or an abnormality found on colonic X-rays or a computerized tomographic (CT) scan. Individuals with previous history of polyps or colon cancer and certain individuals with a family history of some types of non-colonic cancers or co...

Read the Colonoscopy article »




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