Before taking sodium picosulfate

Before taking sodium picosulfate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have intestinal obstruction (a blocked bowel).
• If you have inflammation of the bowel.
• If you have severe pain in the abdomen with a feeling of sickness.
• If you are very dehydrated or take diuretics ('water tablets').
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take sodium picosulfate

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Sodium picosulfate should not be given to children under 11 years unless a doctor has prescribed it.
• This laxative takes 6-12 hours to take effect, therefore it is best taken at bedtime. Swallow your dose with a drink of water.
• Sodium picosulfate should only be used for a short time. This is because the bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on its own. If you are still constipated after taking sodium picosulfate for 5 days you should speak to your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they should go to the toilet every day. This is not the case as for many people it is normal not to go to the toilet every day.
• A healthy diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function. For people who have problems with constipation, food such as pastries, puddings, sugar, sweets, cheese and cake can make matters worse.
• Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) and alcohol have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body, causing dehydration and these can make constipation worse.

Can sodium picosulfate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sodium picosulfate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Dulcolax® Pico Perles, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited Consumer Healthcare, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2009, accessed January 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Dulcolax® Pico Liquid, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited Consumer Healthcare, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2009, accessed January 2010.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.