Has your doctor prescribed you a medical test like a colonoscopy? If so, your doctor may have told you to completely cleanse your intestines before the test. So today we are talking about a special medicine that comes in the form of pills that helps with that task. Let's simply understand what happens in this, how exactly to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What is this medicine? Simply put...
This is a medicine made by combining the salts Sodium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate and Potassium Chloride. You can find this in the market under names like `(SUTAB)`. This belongs to the category of medicines called `( Laxatives ).` Simply put, this is a medicine that acts as a laxative, or cleanses the intestines well.
Imagine, the doctor wants to clearly see even the smallest change in your intestines. For that, there can't be even a trace of feces in your intestines. It has to be completely clean. That's what this medicine helps with.
How does this work?
When you take these pills, they draw a lot of water into your intestines. Then the stool in the intestines becomes liquid and very soft. At the same time, the pressure inside the intestines increases, the muscles in the intestines are activated, and everything inside is washed out very quickly and completely. It's like cleaning a yard with a hose.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health . Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Body salt levels | If you have low or high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium in your blood. |
| Heart disease | If you have any type of heart disease or an irregular heartbeat. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney weakness or disease. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have gout, seizures, difficulty swallowing, or other problems with your intestines or stomach (e.g., intestinal obstruction). |
| Dehydration and food | If the body is dehydrated, or if you are following a low salt diet. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine or to any other medicine, food, or coloring. |
How should I use this medicine?
The way you use this is very important. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Start taking the medicine at the time he tells you, and take the exact amount he tells you. Don't skip a dose or stop it early, even if you feel like it.
This medicine is usually taken in two doses. One in the evening/night before your test, and the other in the morning of the test. However, your doctor may give it in a different way. So the advice he gives is the most important.
- Drink plenty of water: You will be told to drink about two glasses of water with every 12 pills. And then you will be told to drink another two glasses of water within an hour. Drinking water is a must. Otherwise, dehydration can lead to other problems.
- Special diet: You cannot eat a normal meal on the day you take this medicine. You are only allowed to drink "clear liquids". This means things like orange water, salted porridge (just water without porridge), jeevani, tea with sugar (without milk), and clear soup (without pieces). Your doctor will give you specific instructions about this.
- If you are taking other medications: If you are taking other medications by mouth, you should take them at least an hour before taking this bowel cleansing medication. Some medications may need to be taken even longer. Because this medication cleanses the intestines, other medications may be washed out before they are absorbed by the body. Therefore, talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking and ask them exactly when to take them.
What happens after taking the medicine?
After taking the medicine, you will feel the need to go to the toilet more often and more quickly. This is to be expected. At first, the stool will be normal, then it will become loose, and finally it will be a clear liquid like water. This means that your bowel movements are completely cleansed.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause problems when taken with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking.
| Don't take these together! | |
|---|---|
| Any other type of laxative (Other laxative ) | |
| Problems can also occur with this medication. | |
| Antibiotics | Ex: Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline , Tetracycline |
| Diuretics | Medicines that remove water from the body. |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | Ex: Ibuprofen, Naproxen |
| Other | Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, mental illness, and seizures, such as iron pills, Digoxin, and Penicillamine. |
Side effects to watch out for
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are nothing to worry about, but if you experience any symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention :
- Severe allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Dehydration: Excessive thirst, dry mouth, feeling light-headed, dark yellow or brown urine.
- Changes in heart rate: Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly.
- Signs of kidney damage: decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet.
- Seizures.
- Severe stomach pain: Sudden, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Side effects that are usually not to be feared:
These are usually temporary and go away after a while. But if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor .
- Bloating
- Nausea/Upset stomach
The most important thing: If you have taken all the medicine and still have not started to have bowel movements, that is, if you have not passed stool, call your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Follow your doctor's instructions and medication usage exactly. Do not change the time or dosage.
- Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of clear fluids (especially water) as directed.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as severe stomach pain, seizures, or allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you do not pass stool despite taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
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