Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by people taking Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain
• bloating
• Diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• rectal irritation or pain
• signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle pain or cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, lack of coordination, thirst, confusion)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• no bowel movement within 30 minutes of enema use
• rectal bleeding
• symptoms of dehydration (e.g., thirst, dizziness, vomiting, urinating less often than usual)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate).

Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) is available as an enema.

Do not take Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) if you:

• are allergic to sodium phosphates or any ingredients of the medication
• have Appendicitis
• have heart disease
• have high blood pressure
• have ileus (a partial or completely blocked bowel)
• have intestinal blockage or perforation
• have Kidney Disease
• have Ulcerative Colitis
• have megacolon
• have symptoms of dehydration (e.g., thirst, decreased urine production, dry and sticky mouth, headache, dizziness)

Do not give Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) to children under 2 years old.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate).

Abdominal pain, nausea, Fever, and vomiting: If you have abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting, do not take Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Dehydration: Consider increasing the amount of fluid you are consuming while using sodium phosphates, to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated. If you experience dehydration (symptoms include thirst, dizziness, vomiting, urinating less often than usual), your doctor should carefully determine the amount of the solution to be administered as Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) can cause further dehydration.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Sodium phosphates may cause the levels of electrolytes in the blood such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium to change while taking Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate). If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; Dry Mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Frequent or prolonged use: Use Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) only when you need it or as recommended by your doctor. Avoid using Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) repeatedly at short intervals, and do not use it for more than 1 week. Frequent and long-term use of Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) can lead to your body depending on Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) for bowel movements.

Heart disease: Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) can cause increased or worsening symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Pregnancy: Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if sodium phosphates pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Children are more sensitive to the effects of enemas. Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) should not be administered to children less than 2 years of age unless directed by a physician. Do not administer Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) to infants less than 6 months of age.

Seniors: Seniors are more sensitive to the effects of enemas.

Sodium phosphates belong to a class of medications called laxatives. They work by drawing and retaining water into the colon to rapidly produce a bowel movement. Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) is used as a laxative to provide relief for occasional Constipation, or to cleanse the bowels in preparation for a number of procedures, such as a colonoscopy. You should experience a bowel movement within 2 to 5 minutes after administering the enema rectally.

Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Lax-A Nema (Sodium-phosphate/biphosphate) if their doctor has not prescribed it.