OsmoPrep Side Effects

Generic name: sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 12, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about OsmoPrep Side Effects associated with sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name OsmoPrep.

Applies to sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate: oral solution, oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution
• rectal enema

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress after taking this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Do not take this medicine together with other laxatives or enemas containing sodium phosphate. Doing so may lead to serious unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious kidney problems. These are more likely to occur if you are over 55 years of age, dehydrated, have low blood volume, and are taking medicines that could be hard on your kidneys (eg, diuretics or water pills, certain blood pressure medicines, NSAID pain or arthritis medicine). Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in the amount or frequency of urine, lower back or side pain, trouble breathing, weight gain, or swelling of the face, fingers, and lower legs.

Taking more than one dose of over-the-counter (OTC) sodium phosphate medicine in 24 hours may cause serious kidney and heart problems. Check with your doctor if you have the following symptoms: confusion, decreased urination, dizziness, dry mouth, fainting, increase in heart rate, rapid breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you had a heart rhythm problem, such as QT prolongation.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you have any unusual symptoms that concern you, such as bloating, abdominal or stomach pain, seizures, nausea, vomiting, or headache.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of OsmoPrep

Along with its needed effects, sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking sodium biphosphate / sodium phosphate:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• decreased frequency of urine
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dry mouth
• increase in heart rate
• increased thirst
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• muscle pain
• pounding or rapid pulse
• rapid breathing
• restlessness
• stomach cramps
• sunken eyes
• sweating
• tremor
• weakness
• weight gain
• wrinkled skin

For healthcare professionals

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

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were abdominal bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Bloating (39%), nausea (37%), abdominal pain (24%), vomiting (10%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Renal impairment, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased creatinine, acute renal failure, acute phosphate nephropathy, nephrocalcinosis, renal tubular necrosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Postmarketing reports: Seizures^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Arrhythmias^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, rash, pruritus, urticaria, throat tightness, bronchospasm, dyspnea, pharyngeal edema, dysphagia, paresthesia, swelling of the lips and tongue, and facial swelling)^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

OsmoPrep side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer