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 stomach or bowel problems (including bowel perforation, toxic megacolon, colitis, blockage, ileus, or problems with stomach emptying).

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.
• You may drink only clear liquids (including coffee or tea without cream or nondairy creamer, fruit juices without pulp, gelatin desserts without fruit or topping, water, chicken broth, clear soda) all day and the next day until 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
• 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. Remove and throw away the drying agent (desiccant) canister from both bottles. Use the second bottle for the second dose on the morning of the colonoscopy.
  • 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 nausea, bloating, or 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. Each bottle contains a drying agent (desiccant) canister that helps protect the tablets from moisture.

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 oral medicine 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
• Do not drink anything at least 2 hours before the test.
• Take chlorpromazine, digoxin, penicillamine, iron supplements, or antibiotics (including fluoroquinolone, tetracycline) 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, including arrhythmia
  • Seizures
  • Kidney problems
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including ulcers, ischemic colitis
• This medicine may increase the risk of stomach or bowel problems or choking if drying agent (desiccant) canister is not removed from the bottle.
• 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: 9/6/2024