Cystocalm 4g Sachets Pack of 6

Cystocalm contains sodium citrate which used to treat a number of problems.

It is an osmotic laxative, which induces a laxative effect (stimulating stool production).

It is used to relieve constipation and works (when used as an enema for rectal use) by causing water to be drawn into the lower bowel (colon) to increase the water content and volume of stools, making them softer and easier to pass, relieving constipation. It also used for other purposes when taken by mouth, such as in adult women for the relief of symptoms due to cystitis (inflammation of the bladder owing to an infection of urine in women) where it reduces the acidity of urine, and before general anaesthesia to prevent stomach acid aspiration (inhalation of stomach acid into the airways), which may happen during a surgical operation or in pregnant women during child birth.

In general, this drug is used:

• to relieve constipation, 
• to treat symptoms of mild cystitis,
• to prevent stomach acid aspiration during anaesthesia.

Benefits of being on this drug can include:

• regular bowel movements, 
• relief from the painful symptoms of cystisis,
• reoccurring inhalation of acid stomach contents during surgery.

Use Cystocalm to:

• relieve constipation,
• clear the bowel before surgery, childbirth or bowel investigations (when used as an enema).

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. These conditions could be:

• Oral use: preventing inhalation of acid stomach contents during surgery or relief of discomfort during mild cystitis in adult women.

Empty the contents of one sachet into a small glass of cold water (200ml) and stir until the granules dissolve to give a fruit flavoured drink.

Take one sachet dissolved in water, three times daily for two days.

All six sachets must be taken to complete the course of treatment. 

Sodium citrate should be used with caution in the elderly or weak (debilitated) patients.

It should not be used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis, a disease of the lower intestine [colon] characterised by open sores [ulcers] with symptoms such as frequent diarrhoea mixed with blood), patients with acute gastrointestinal conditions.

Side effects:

• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration.

Only the most common side effects have been listed. If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform your doctor.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• prolonged constipation.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: 

• rash, 
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 
• dizziness, 
• trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking sodium citrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other laxatives; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis, a disease of the lower intestine [colon] characterised by open sores [ulcers] with symptoms such as frequent diarrhoea mixed with blood), acute gastrointestinal conditions.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following:

• any history of bowel disorders,
• bloody stools.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Alcohol intake is not known to affect sodium citrate.

Sodium citrate can be used in the elderly.

Sodium citrate is suitable to take during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

Sodium citrate is suitable to take if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

There are no known interactions with Sodium Citrate. Therefore, before using this medicine , tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.