Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate (rectal)

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate are types of phosphorus.

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate (rectal) is a combination medicine used in adults and children to treat constipation and to clean the bowel before colon surgery, x-rays, or endoscopy examinations.

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate without a doctor's advice if you have kidney disease, heart problems, or constipation with stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

Using too much of this medicine can cause rare but life-threatening side effects on your kidneys and heart.

You should not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you have:

• kidney disease;
• heart problems; or
• constipation with stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if:

• you've had a sudden change in bowel habits during the past 2 weeks or longer;
• you've used any laxative within the past 7 days;
• you are on a low-salt diet; or
• you are 55 or older.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Never use an adult-strength enema in a child younger than 12 years old. Do not use this medicine in a child younger than 2 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using the medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• no bowel movement within 30 minutes after use;
• rectal bleeding or bright red bowel movements; or
• signs of dehydration--dizziness, vomiting, extreme thirst, little or no urinating.

Common side effects of sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate may include:

• rectal discomfort.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using too much of sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate can cause rare but life-threatening side effects on your kidneys and heart.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take the rectal enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

When using this medicine in a child 2 to 11 years old, use only a formula that is specially made for children.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate rectal should cause you to have a bowel movement within 1 to 5 minutes.

Do not use more than 1 enema in any 24-hour period. If you do not get any results within 30 minutes after using this medicine, call your doctor before using another dose.

Do not use this medicine for longer than 3 days without medical advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Each disposable enema is for one use only.

sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate does not have a daily dosing schedule. Do not use more than 1 enema in any 24-hour period. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if someone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Do not use any other laxatives with sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate, unless your doctor instructs you to.

Other drugs may affect sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medicine you begin or stop using.