Fleet (Sodium Phosphates Enema)

• It is used to treat hard stools (constipation).
• It is used as a laxative to clean out the colon before an exam.

• If you have an allergy to sodium phosphates or any other part of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have heart failure (weak heart).
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you are using another drug that has the same drug in it.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, hole in the bowel, or other bowel problems; electrolyte (like sodium, potassium, phosphate) problems; fluid loss (dehydrated); or had stomach or bowel surgery.
• If you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet.
• If you have any of these health problems: Belly pain, throwing up, or upset stomach.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Fleet with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor about drinking lots of fluids and other ways to prevent fluid loss. If you have a lot of fluid loss, you may have more side effects from Fleet.
• Tell your doctor if you have too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, loose stools (diarrhea), not hungry, or more thirst.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk with your doctor.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly kidney and heart problems have rarely happened in people using these products to treat hard stools (constipation). Most of the time, this happened when people used more of Fleet than they were told. Do not use more than 1 dose of this drug in 24 hours. If you do not pass a stool after a dose of this medicine, do not use another product that has sodium phosphate in it within 24 hours. Call your doctor to find out what to do.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Fleet is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not give to a child younger than 2 years of age.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Fleet while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Applies to sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate: oral solution, oral tablet, rectal enema

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects associated with sodium biphosphate-sodium phosphate tablets have included bloating (up to 47%), nausea (up to 37%), abdominal pain (up to 30%), and vomiting (up to 10%). Anal irritation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps have been reported with the enema formulation. Possible side effects associated with the enema formulation have included vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, gastrointestinal pain, and anal discomfort.[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects associated with sodium biphosphate-sodium phosphate tablets have included changes in serum electrolytes (including phosphate, calcium, potassium, and sodium). Possible side effects associated with the enema formulation have included dehydration, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, and metabolic acidosis.

Renal

Renal side effects associated with sodium biphosphate-sodium phosphate tablets have included renal impairment, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased creatinine, acute renal failure, acute phosphate nephropathy, nephrocalcinosis, and renal tubular necrosis during postmarketing experience.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness and headache. Seizures have been reported during postmarketing experience.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects associated with sodium biphosphate-sodium phosphate tablets have included arrhythmias during postmarketing experience.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects associated with sodium biphosphate-sodium phosphate tablets have included anaphylaxis, rash, pruritus, urticaria, throat tightness, bronchospasm, dyspnea, pharyngeal edema, dysphasia, paresthesia, swelling of the lips and tongue, and facial swelling during postmarketing experience. Possible side effects associated with the enema formulation have included hypersensitivity and pruritus.[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects associated with sodium biphosphate-sodium phosphate tablets have included bronchospasm, dyspnea, and dysphagia during postmarketing experience; these side effects were associated with hypersensitivity reactions.

Other

Other possible side effects associated with the enema formulation have included chills, blistering, and stinging.

Some side effects of sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.