CLISMALAX RECTAL SOLUTION 1 BOTTLE OF 133 ML

Name
Lax enema, rectal solution
Sodium phosphate monobasic anhydrous, sodium phosphate dibasic


What is it and what is it used for?
Clisma lax contains the active ingredients monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous and dibasic sodium phosphate which belong to a group of medicines called osmotic laxatives.

Clisma lax is a highly concentrated rectal solution that works by drawing water to the site of administration, thereby increasing the volume of intestinal contents. This stimulates peristaltic movements in the intestine and thus promotes stool elimination.

Clisma lax is used in the short-term treatment of occasional constipation.

Contact your doctor if you notice no improvement or if you notice worsening of symptoms after 7 days.


What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not use Clisma lax:
- if you are allergic to sodium phosphate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
- if you have severe abdominal pain or any pain whose cause you do not know
- if you have nausea or vomiting
- if you have an obstruction or narrowing (stenosis) in your intestine or rectum
- if you have intestinal blockage due to a real obstacle (mechanical ileus) or only partial (intestinal sub-occlusion)
- if you have intestinal blockage or failure to empty your bowels normally (paralytic ileus)
- if you suffer from inflammatory intestinal disorders and other conditions that may increase the absorption of the medicine
- if you have a perforation of the anal wall
- if you suffer from particular intestinal problems (colon abnormalities such as Hirschsprung's disease or congenital or acquired megacolon)
- if you suffer from rectal bleeding of which you do not know the cause
- if you have an acute haemorrhoidal crisis with pain and bleeding
- if he is in a serious state of dehydration
- if you suffer from heart disorders or problems
- if you have severe kidney problems (severe renal failure) or have high levels of phosphate in your blood (hyperphosphatemia)
- in children under 12 years of age
- if you are taking other medicines containing sodium phosphate (such as oral solutions or tablets)


Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Clisma lax:
- if the need for a laxative arises from a sudden change in previous bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of bowel movements) that lasts for more than two weeks or when the use of a laxative fails to produce any effect
- if he is elderly or in poor health
- if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, an increase in the volume of abdominal fluid (ascites) or ulcers and cracks in the rectal mucosa
- if you often have problems with bowel movements or if you suffer from chronic constipation.

What you need to know about laxatives:
- prolonged use of a laxative to treat constipation is not recommended
- to treat constipation, medications should only be an aid to hygienic-dietary treatment (e.g., increasing vegetable fiber and fluids in the diet, regular physical activity).
- you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water, or other liquids during treatment with laxatives to help soften the stool
- it is advisable to correct your eating habits by integrating your diet with more fiber and water, during episodes of constipation.

Laxative abuse (frequent or prolonged use or excessive doses) can cause:
- persistent diarrhea resulting in loss of water, mineral salts and other essential substances
- in more serious cases, dehydration or a serious decrease in potassium in the blood may occur, which can lead to heart or nerve and muscle dysfunction, especially if you are simultaneously taking heart medicines (digitalis), medicines to increase urine production (diuretics) or cortisone (anti-inflammatories).
- a state of dehydration, especially if you are simultaneously taking medicines that alter renal filtration, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors and sartans (drugs to reduce hypertension that act on angiotensin) or NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories)
- an alteration in the levels of some mineral salts in the blood which can manifest itself with serious kidney problems (renal failure) and muscle stiffness (tetany)
- the need to gradually increase the dosage (dependence)
- chronic constipation
- loss of normal intestinal functions (decreased intestinal tone).

Health education notes
First of all, it must be kept in mind that in most cases, a balanced diet rich in water and fiber (bran, vegetables, and fruit) can permanently solve the problem of constipation.
Many people think they are constipated if they are unable to have a bowel movement every day.
This is a misconception as this situation is completely normal for a large number of individuals.
Constipation, however, occurs when bowel movements are less frequent than usual and are associated with the emission of hard stools.
Consult your doctor if episodes of constipation occur repeatedly.

Children
Do not use Clisma lax in children under 12 years of age.


Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The side effects that may occur with the use of Clisma lax are:
- crampy abdominal pain (isolated)
- non-continuous abdominal pain (abdominal colic)
- diarrhea with loss of fluids and salts, more frequent in cases of severe constipation (difficulty in going to the toilet)
- redness with burning or pain (irritation) in the rectum
- nausea and vomiting
- hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. hives)
- blisters, itching and burning on the skin

The following side effects occur rarely:
- high levels of phosphate in the blood (hyperphosphatemia)
- high sodium levels in the blood (hypernatremia)
- low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia)
- low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia)
- calcium accumulation (calcification) of tissues

Reporting of side effects
If you experience any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse .
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.