magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate

What is the most important information I should know about this medicine?

What is magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate (Sutab)?

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium are electrolyte minerals that occur naturally in body fluids.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates (Sutab) is a combination medicine that causes diarrhea for the purpose of cleaning your colon before a colonoscopy. Cleaning the colon (bowel prep) allows the inside of your colon to be seen more clearly on the colonoscopy.

Magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking this medicine?

• a bowel obstruction, colitis or toxic megacolon;
• a dilated intestine;
• a perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines; or
• slow digestion.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, including long QT syndrome;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• trouble swallowing;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood);
• a seizure;
• kidney disease; or
• if you are in withdrawal from alcoholism or addiction to Valium-like sedatives (benzodiazepines).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take this medicine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Sutab is usually taken in 2 doses. Each dose consists of 12 tablets taken at one time, with 16 ounces of water. Take the first dose the evening before your colonoscopy and take the second dose the morning of your colonoscopy.

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

You will need to drink extra water once you start your bowel prep. Drink only clear liquids and avoid alcohol, milk, or any drink that is red or purple.

You should be finished with all doses at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose is unlikely to occur if you take this medicine exactly as directed.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Do not take other laxatives during your bowel prep.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

• trouble drinking liquids;
• nausea, painful bloating, stomach cramps, vomiting;
• little or no urination;
• a seizure;
• rectal bleeding; or
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance --increased thirst or urination, confusion, slurred speech, dizziness, weakness, feeling jittery or unsteady, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, numbness or tingling, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach pain or discomfort;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• mild bloating.

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

What other drugs will affect Sutab?

If you take any of the following medicines, take your Sutab dose 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take the other medicine:

• chlorpromazine;
• digoxin;
• iron; or
• certain antibiotics --ciprofloxacin, delafloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, penicillamine, tetracycline.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• medicine to treat a kidney problem;
• medicine for depression or mental illness;
• seizure medication; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Sutab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates.