Sodium Picosulfate
Description
Sodium Picosulfate is a laxative medicine used in the treatment of constipation. It stimulates the movement within the intestines which helps facilitate the passage of stool. It is also used with other medicines for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy or surgery. This medicine is available in different dosage forms like oral solution, tablet, syrup.
Sodium Picosulfate may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting and headache. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms persist. Sodium Picosulfate increases water loss so it is advised that you drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss.
Sodium Picosulfate should be taken at bedtime as it can take 6-8 hours to produce the effect. Sodium Picosulfate should be taken 2 hours after other medicines as it can affect their absorption. It should not be used for more than 5 days as prolonged use can cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence on Sodium Picosulfate.
Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended for use in children below the age of 10 years. Consult your doctor before using this medicine, if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended if you have any dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, stomach or intestine blockage disorders. Inform your doctor immediately if you feel any stomach discomfort while using this medicine. This medicine is to be taken along with a high-fibre diet including fruits and vegetables for best results.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Sodium Picosulfate
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
Uses of Sodium Picosulfate
What is it prescribed for?
- Constipation
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Sodium Picosulfate can be observed within 6-8 hours after taking it.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Sodium Picosulfate remains effective in your body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Sodium Picosulfate.
- Usage in pregnancy?Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended to be used in pregnancy unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Sodium Picosulfate is safe to be used during breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid taking Sodium Picosulfate if you are allergic to it. If you notice any symptoms such as a skin rash, itching/swelling anywhere on your body, dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc., consult your doctor immediately.
Ileus or intestinal obstruction
Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended for use if you have ileus or intestinal obstruction problems as this medicine may increase the risk of worsening your condition.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that cause chronic pain and swelling in your intestines. Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended for use if you have inflammatory bowel disease due to the increased risk of worsening your condition.
Severe dehydration
Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended for use if you have severe dehydration as it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended to be used in pregnancy unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Sodium Picosulfate is safe to be used during breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
Prolonged use
Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended for use for more than 5 days at a time. Your body may get used to the medicine and it will become difficult for you to pass stools without it. It may also cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance on prolonged use.
Use in children
Sodium Picosulfate is not recommended for use in children less than 10 years of age as no safety data is available.
Hypokalaemia
Prolonged use of Sodium Picosulfate may decrease the potassium levels in your blood. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your potassium blood levels while you are on treatment with this medicine.
Driving or Operating machinery
Sodium Picosulfate may cause dizziness, fainting, etc in some people. It is advised that you do not perform activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Sodium Picosulfate is generally used as needed. If you are on a scheduled dosing regimen of this medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose with Sodium Picosulfate.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Diuretics
Antibiotics
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Sodium Picosulfate as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed.
Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience severe side effects.
Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Keep away from the reach of children and pets. Ensure that the unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Sodium Picosulfate increases the bowel movements by activating the muscles in the bowel and makes it easier to pass the stools.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Laxatives
Schedule
Schedule H
GOV.UK. 2021. Find product information about medicines. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Dulcolax Twelve Plus Pico Liquid, 5 mg / 5 ml, oral solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Picolax - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 29 Sep 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.