Generic Name

Sodium picosulfate

Precaution

Childn. Pregnancy and lactation.

Indication

Constipation, Bowel evacuation before investigational procedures

Contra Indication

Acute inflammatory bowel diseases, severe dehydration, ileus or intestinal obstruction, severe painful and/or feverish acute abdominal conditions (e.g. appendicitis) potentially associated w/ nausea and vomiting.

Dose

Oral Constipation Adult: 5-10 mg as a single dose, usually at bedtime. Child: 1 mth to <4 yr 0.25 mg/kg. Max: 5 mg; 4-10 yr 2.5-5 mg; >10 yr 5-10 mg. Doses are usually given at night. Bowel evacuation before investigational procedures Adult: 10 mg, w/ Mg citrate, given in the morning and again in the afternoon of the day before examination. Child: 1 mth to <4 yr 0.25 mg/kg. Max: 5 mg; 4-10 yr 2.5-5 mg; >10 yr 5-10 mg. Doses are usually given at night.

Side Effect

Abdominal discomfort (e.g. abdominal pain and cramps), diarrhoea. Rarely, allergic reactions (e.g. skin reactions, angioedema).

Pregnancy Category

Mode of Action

Sodium picosulfate is a locally acting laxative which has a dual action of stimulating the mucosa of both the large intestine causing colonic peristalsis and of the rectum causing increased motility and a feeling of rectal fullness.

Interaction

Increased risk of electrolyte imbalance w/ diuretics or adreno-corticosteroids. Increased sensitivity to cardiac glycosides resulting from electrolyte imbalance. Reduced laxative action w/ antibiotics.

Pregnancy Category Note

N/A

Adult Dose

Oral Constipation Adult: 5-10 mg as a single dose, usually at bedtime. Bowel evacuation before investigational procedures Adult: 10 mg, w/ Mg citrate, given in the morning and again in the afternoon of the day before examination.

Child Dose

Oral Constipation Child: 1 mth to <4 yr 0.25 mg/kg. Max: 5 mg; 4-10 yr 2.5-5 mg; >10 yr 5-10 mg. Doses are usually given at night. Bowel evacuation before investigational procedures Child: 1 mth to <4 yr 0.25 mg/kg. Max: 5 mg; 4-10 yr 2.5-5 mg; >10 yr 5-10 mg. Doses are usually given at night.

Renal Dose

N/A

Administration

May be taken with or without food.