Stomach Cleanser Pills (Sodium Phosphate Salts): What You Need to Know When Using These

Are you scheduled to have a colonoscopy, a test that uses a camera to look inside your stomach? Or are you getting ready for bowel surgery? In such a case, the doctor will give you a special medicine to cleanse your intestines, that is, to completely empty them. That's what we're going to talk about today. We'll talk about how to use them exactly, what to watch out for, and what side effects they can cause.

Simply put, what is this medicine?

This medicine is called Sodium Phosphate Salts. It is a laxative. This means that its function is to remove all the stool from the intestines and completely cleanse the intestines.

Think of your colon as a long tube. When performing an examination, the doctor needs to see the inside of this tube clearly. Only then can he find out if there is a small problem. So, this medicine draws water into your colon. Then the stool becomes liquid, soft and passes out easily. Also, this medicine helps to increase the pressure inside the colon and push the stool out. This medicine can come under brand names like OsmoPrep and Visicol in Sri Lanka and abroad. But no matter what the name of the medicine the doctor prescribes, the function is the same.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is a very important point. If you have certain medical conditions in your body, this medicine may not be suitable for you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor before taking the medicine.

The medicine should be used in the right way.

For this medicine to work effectively, it is essential to take it exactly as prescribed. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

• When taking these pills, you should drink them with a large glass filled with water .
• Most importantly: With each dose of the medicine, you should drink at least 250 ml (about a large glass) of clear liquids. Clear liquids include water, flavored water, lime juice (without lime juice), ginger ale, or apple juice.
• Warning: Do not drink purple or red colored liquids for any reason. These colors can remain in the intestines and be mistaken for blood during the test. Also, do not drink any drinks that contain fruit pieces or กากส.
• If you don't drink enough water while taking this medicine, you may become dehydrated. This can cause serious side effects, such as kidney damage. So be very careful about drinking water.
• If you are taking other medications, do not take them within an hour before or after taking this laxative. This medicine may reduce the absorption of other medications. Talk to your doctor about this.
• You will usually receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) with this medicine. Read and understand it carefully.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, do not delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Some medications you take may interact with this colon cleanse. This may increase the risk of side effects. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, especially if you are taking any of the medications listed below.

• Aspirin
• Some medications for high blood pressure (e.g. captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, candesartan, losartan, valsartan)
• Diuretics
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation

This list is not complete. It is very important to tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal products, or supplements you are taking.

Things to be careful about while taking the medicine

As the doctor says, start drinking only clear liquids about 12 hours before taking the medication. Avoid solid foods completely.

Sometimes it can be difficult to complete this medication regimen. If you feel this way, talk to your doctor about it. Also, if you do not have a bowel movement even after taking the medication, it could be a serious condition. Tell your doctor right away.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, call your doctor for advice.

How should I store the medicine? What do I do if I have leftovers?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).

If you have any leftover medication after your test, do not keep it. It is very important to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medication.

• Check the medicine label or the leaflet inside to see if it states whether leftover medicine should be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet.
• If you're not sure, ask your doctor.
• If it says it's safe to put in the trash, take the pills out of the bottle. Mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter. Put this mixture in a sealable bag or container and throw it in the trash.