SODIUM PHOSPHATE MONOBASIC/DIBASIC - ORAL (Visicol) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

Font Size

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

BRAND NAME(S): Visicol

USES: This combination form of sodium phosphate is used to clean out the bowels/intestines (colon) before a medical exam (colonoscopy). When taken as directed before the colonoscopy, the doctor can perform the exam (see the colon) more effectively.

HOW TO USE: Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this medication correctly and follow all instructions carefully. Take this medication by mouth exactly as directed usually beginning the evening before your colonoscopy. Take each of the doses of this medicine with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water; or take as directed by your doctor. Do not eat for at least 12 hours prior to taking this medication. Drink only clear liquids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not take any other laxatives, phosphate-containing products, or use enemas while taking this medication. Doing so may increase your risk for serious side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea is an expected effect of this medication. However, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain/bloating, dizziness, or headache may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: blood in the stool, dark (black) stool, muscle cramps. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat. Some undigested or partially digested pieces of tablet(s) may appear in your stool/diarrhea. This is harmless. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: certain heart problems (e.g., heart failure, unstable angina), intestinal disorders (e.g., acute colitis, chronic constipation, ileus, obstructions), fluid/swelling of the stomach/abdomen (ascites), conditions that can cause slowing of the intestines (e.g., hypothyroidism, scleroderma). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, other heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, heart attack, recent heart surgery), dehydration or blood/fluid problems (e.g., electrolytes problems such as low sodium, potassium, or calcium; or high phosphate levels), inflammatory bowel disease, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.