Sodium Phosphates



Fleet® Accu-Prep®[OTC]; Fleet® Enema [OTC]; Fleet® Phospho-Soda®[OTC]; OsmoPrep™; Visicol®







Sodium Phosphates

(SOW dee um FOS fates)

U.S. Brand Names
Fleet® Accu-Prep®[OTC]; Fleet® Enema [OTC]; Fleet® Phospho-Soda®[OTC]; OsmoPrep™; Visicol®
Canadian Brand Names
Fleet Enema®; Fleet® Phospho-Soda® Oral Laxative
Pharmacologic Category
Cathartic; Electrolyte Supplement, Oral; Electrolyte Supplement, Parenteral; Laxative, Bowel Evacuant
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give the tablets to children.
  • Do not give the enema to a child younger than 2 years of age.
  • If you have an allergy to sodium phosphates or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Oral:
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Enlarged colon, fluid in the belly, intestinal blockage, or severely weakened heart.
  • If you are on a low-salt diet.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Active colitis, chest pain or pressure, intestinal blockage, kidney disease, poor emptying of the stomach, severe constipation, slow movement through the intestinal tract, or underactive thyroid gland.
  • Injection (I.V.):
  • If you have high phosphate levels, low calcium levels or high sodium levels in your body.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used as a laxative to clean out the colon before examination.
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat low phosphate levels in your body.
  • This medicine is used to treat constipation.
How does it work?
  • As a laxative, sodium phosphate pulls water into the small intestine.
  • It is a source of phosphate for the body.
How is it best taken?
  • Bowel exams:
  • Follow directions given by healthcare provider.
  • You should drink clear liquids for 12 hours before starting this medicine.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • Constipation:
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Mix dose with 1 cup of cool water.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • Do not take another dose for at least 24 hours.
  • Use enema rectally.
  • Injection (I.V.):
  • This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • If in preparation for an examination, take a missed dose as soon as possible.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider. There is extra salt in the medicine.
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have inflammatory bowel disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take other medicines immediately after this tablet.
  • Medicines taken after using the tablets may not be absorbed into your system.
  • Do not take magnesium- or aluminum-containing antacids or sucralfate with the oral medicine.
  • Use caution if you have had a recent heart attack (within 3 months) or heart surgery.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Parts of the tablet in the stool.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Kidney damage can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Bowel movements.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • If liquid medicine does not come out after rectal use.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: