Sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride (By mouth)
Magnesium Sulfate (mag-NEE-zee-um SUL-fate), Potassium Chloride (poe-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Sulfate (SOE-dee-um SUL-fate)
Helps cleanse the bowels before a colonoscopy. This medicine is a laxative.
Brand Name(s):
Sutab
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have an allergic reaction to sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride, or if you have a bowel perforation (tear or hole) or blockage, ileus, toxic megacolon, or if you have problems with digestion.How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
- You may eat a low-residue breakfast (including eggs, white bread, cottage cheese, yogurt, grits, coffee, or tea) on the day before your colonoscopy.
- After breakfast, drink only clear liquids all day and the next day up until 2 hours before the time of the test, if your doctor says it is okay.
- Drink extra fluids before, during, and after you use this medicine to help replace the fluids that will be lost during your bowel movement. Do not drink anything red or purple.
- To use the Sutab®:
- The Sutab® contains 2 bottles (12 tablets each bottle), taken as a 2-day regimen (Split-dose method).
- Early in the evening before the colonoscopy, open one bottle of 12 tablets.
- Fill the given container with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line). Swallow each tablet with a sip of water and drink the entire amount over 15 to 20 minutes.
- One hour after swallowing the last tablet, fill the container for the second time with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line) and drink the entire amount over 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, repeat the same step and drink over 30 minutes.
- Then, on the morning of colonoscopy (5 to 8 hours before the test and at least 4 hours after the first dose), repeat the same steps and complete all Sutab® tablets and required amount of water at least 2 hours before the test.
- If you have preparation-related symptoms (including nausea, bloating, cramping), you may pause or slow the rate of drinking the additional water until your symptoms stopped.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Do not take other laxatives (including bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) while you are taking this medicine. Do not take any medicine by mouth within 1 hour before you start using this medicine.
- Some medicine can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Blood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
- Diuretic (water pill)
- Medicine to treat depression
- NSAIDs
- Take chlorpromazine, digoxin, penicillamine, iron supplements, or tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take this medicine.
- Do not drink milk or alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease (including heart failure, recent heart attack), trouble swallowing, stomach or bowel problems (including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis), or a history of seizures or heart rhythm problems (including arrhythmia, prolonged QT). Tell your doctor if you are withdrawing from drinking alcohol or taking certain medicines (including benzodiazepines).
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Dehydration
- Heart rhythm problems
- Seizures
- Kidney problems
- Stomach or bowel problems, including ulcers, ischemic colitis
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching
- Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
- Dry mouth, increased thirst, vomiting
- Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
- Seizures
- Severe stomach pain or bloating, bloody or black stools
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Mild nausea, bloating
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 3/6/2023