Sodium Phosphates

(SOW dee um FOS fates)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Do not give the tablets to children.
• Do not give the enema to a child younger than 2 years of age.
• Not if your child has an allergy to sodium phosphates or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Oral:
• Not if your child is on a low-salt diet.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: A large colon or bowel block.
• Shot:
• Not if your child has has any of these health problems: High phosphate levels, low calcium levels, or high sodium levels.
• Rectal:
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: A large colon, fluid in the belly, GI (gastrointestinal) block, very bad kidney disease, or a weak heart.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used as a laxative to clean out the colon before an exam.
• It is used to stop or treat low phosphate levels.
• It is used to treat hard stools (constipation).

How is this drug given?

• Oral:
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Have your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your child's doctor.
• Rectal and bowel exams:
• Have your child drink clear liquids for 12 hours before taking the tablets.
• Give this drug with a full glass of water.
• Hard stools (constipation):
• Give on an empty stomach. Give 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Mix dose with
• Do not give more doses for at least 24 hours.
• Give enema rectally.
• Low phosphate:
• It is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few hours to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If your child has bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has seizures, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Do not give antacids that have magnesium or aluminum or sucralfate with the oral drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Feeling dizzy. Have your child get up slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Have your child be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If liquid drug does not come out after rectal use.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has swelling in his/her feet or hands.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Shot:
• The shot will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Your child may only get some products of this drug by drug order. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If no refills are left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

All content copyright © 1978-2013 Lexi-Comp Inc. or its respective owners. All Rights Reserved.