sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate at a glance
Medicine class
Rectal laxative and stool-softening micro-enema
Route
Inserted into the rectum using the attached nozzle; not swallowed
Onset
Usually acts within 5 to 15 minutes
What is sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate used for?
Used when an enema is needed to empty the lower bowel.
Relief of constipation, including difficult defecation.
Bowel emptying before X-ray examination, proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
How does sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate work?
Sodium citrate releases water held within stool. Sodium alkylsulfoacetate helps liquid spread through and wet the stool, while sorbitol enhances the water-releasing effect. This softens retained stool and makes rectal emptying easier.
How to take sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate
Use rectally only. Lie on your side with knees drawn up or sit on the toilet. Remove the cap, lubricate the nozzle with a drop of liquid if wanted, insert the nozzle as directed, and gently empty the tube. Keep it squeezed while withdrawing the nozzle, then discard it.
Use a fresh tube each time.
Do not swallow the contents.
Remain near a toilet because the effect is usually rapid.
Seek medical advice if constipation worsens or does not improve after a few days.
sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another serious hypersensitivity reaction, including hives, swelling or breathing difficulty.
- Marked diarrhoea and fluid loss after excessive use.
sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate in pregnancy
The product information gives no special pregnancy recommendation. Discuss use with a pharmacist, midwife or doctor, particularly if symptoms persist or an enema is being considered.
sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate while breastfeeding
Specialist guidance considers sodium citrate enemas compatible with breastfeeding because rectal absorption and transfer into milk are expected to be insignificant. This assumes a full-term, healthy infant; seek specialist advice if the infant is premature or unwell.
sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate interactions
No medicine interactions are listed in the selected product information. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about other rectal products or laxatives, particularly if symptoms continue or diarrhoea develops.
Common questions about sodium alkylsulfoacetate + sodium citrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is used to relieve constipation and to empty the bowel before certain examinations.
How quickly does it work?
The micro-enema usually acts within 5 to 15 minutes, so remain near a toilet after use.
Can it be used with inflammatory bowel disease?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.