Sutab

The active ingredients in Sutab are magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium sulfate. Sutab is an osmotic laxative, and it is used to cleanse your colon in preparation for a colonoscopy. Sutab works by pushing water into your colon, softening the feces and making it easier to pass.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Sutab. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Sutab:

• Use Sutab exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the recommendations on your prescription label and read any drug guidelines or instruction sheets.
• Follow all recommendations regarding what to eat and drink in the days leading up to your bowel preparation, as well as when to cease consuming solid foods.
• Sutab is normally taken in two doses. Each dose consists of 12 pills taken at once, along with 16 ounces of water. Take the first dose in the evening before your colonoscopy, and the second dose in the morning of the procedure.
• You will need to drink additional water once you begin your bowel preparation. Drink only clear liquids and avoid anything red or purple, including wine, non-dairy creamer, fruit juices, and milk.
• You should have finished all doses at least 2 hours on the day of your procedure.
• Sutab can cause severe dehydration, resulting in electrolyte imbalance, convulsions, or kidney failure. Call your doctor if you are vomiting and unable to drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urine.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
• A low-residue breakfast may be consumed. After breakfast, only clear liquids may be consumed until after the colonoscopy.

Some mild or common side effects of Sutab seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Upper stomach pain.
• Dizziness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Sutab. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Electrolyte imbalances or abnormalities. Symptoms include vomiting, stomach pains, dizziness, less frequent urination, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, headache, fainting, or loss of energy.
• Kidney disorders include dry mouth, severe thirst, weakness, poor energy, drowsiness, muscle discomfort or cramps, a fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and inability to produce urine.
• Colon injury causes severe stomach pain and rectal bleeding.
• An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• Seizures.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Sutab. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Sutab, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• An intestinal blockage, colitis, or toxic megacolon.
• A dilated intestine.
• A perforation (hole or rip) in your intestine.
• Slow digestion.
• Heart conditions, including long QT syndrome.
• A stomach or intestine disease, such as ulcerative colitis.
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Trouble swallowing.
• An electrolyte imbalance (low amounts of potassium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood).
• Kidney disease.
• If you are going through alcohol withdrawal or have an addiction to Valium-like sedatives (benzodiazepines).

• GI obstruction (gut blockage).
• Ileus (the bowel cannot expel waste out of the body).
• Bowel perforation (a hole in the intestinal wall).
• Toxic colitis (very inflamed colon).
• Toxic megacolon (dilated gut).
• Gastric retention is a condition in which your stomach fails to empty food and fluid.

The preparation usually begins within an hour, but it can take several hours. You may take oral drugs with water during preparation and up to three hours before check-in.

When Sutab is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Chlorpromazine.
• Digoxin.
• Iron.
• Certain antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, delafloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, penicillamine, and tetracycline.
• Medications for the heart or blood pressure.
• A diuretic or "water pill".
• Medicine to treat kidney problems.
• Medicine to treat depression or mental disease.
• Seizure medicine.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

You will need two Sutab dosages to prepare and empty your bowels for the colonoscopy. Each dose comprises 12 Sutab tablets. Each tablet includes 1479 mg of sodium sulphate, 225 mg of magnesium sulphate, and 188 mg of potassium chloride. Each bottle of Sutab has a desiccant in it. Take out and discard the dessicant from each bottle the evening prior to the colonoscopy.

• Dose 1: Begin the evening before your colonoscopy.
• Fill the plastic container with 16 ounces of water up to the fill line.
• Take one pill at a time, followed by short sips of water. Finish all 12 pills and the entire container of water (16 ounces) in 15 to 20 minutes.
• Drink a second bottle of water (16 ounces) by mouth over 30 minutes, one hour after the last tablet.
• After 30 minutes, consume a third container of water (16 ounces) by mouth over 30 minutes.
• Dose 2: Begin the day of your colonoscopy (5 to 8 hours before the procedure).
• For an extra 12 Sutab pills, follow the same recommendations as with dosage 1.
• Finish all tablets with water at least 2 hours before the colonoscopy.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Braintree Laboratories, Inc. is the company that manufactures Sutab.

There are no lower-cost generic versions available of Sutab.

Sutab (sodium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and potassium chloride tablets) is a short-term bowel prep drug used before a colonoscopy, so you don't usually need to "stop" taking it. You are finished with the treatment once you have completed the specified doses.

It is not known if Sutab is safe to take during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Sutab is found in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.