Sodium cellulose phosphate (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 12, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Calcibind
Uses for sodium cellulose phosphate
Cellulose sodium phosphate is used to prevent the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones. It is used in patients whose bodies absorb too much calcium from their food.
Cellulose sodium phosphate works by combining with the calcium and some other minerals in food. This prevents the calcium from reaching the kidneys where the stones are formed.
Cellulose sodium phosphate is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using sodium cellulose phosphate
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sodium cellulose phosphate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sodium cellulose phosphate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Although there is no specific information comparing use of cellulose sodium phosphate in children with use in any other age group, its use is not recommended in children up to 16 years of age because of the increased need for calcium in growing children.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of cellulose sodium phosphate in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of sodium cellulose phosphate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bone disease—Cellulose sodium phosphate may make the condition worse
- Edema or swelling or
- Heart disease—The high sodium content of cellulose sodium phosphate may cause the body to hold water
- Intestinal problems or
- Parathyroid disease or problems—Cellulose sodium phosphate may increase the risk of bone problems
Proper use of sodium cellulose phosphate
Make certain your health care professional knows if ...
