Sodium Picosulfate

About Sodium Picosulfate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as stimulant laxatives.

Sodium Picosulfate is used to treat constipation and is sometimes used to clear the bowel before medical examinations that require the bowel to be empty.

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some pain killers, can also cause constipation.

Sodium Picosulfate works by encouraging the bowel to contract and move the waste products along the bowel helping you to go to the toilet.

Sodium Picosulfate is available in oral liquid and capsule form.

Sodium Picosulfate is sometimes spelt Sodium Picosulphate.

It is also sometimes known as: Laxoberal; Dulco-lax. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 any pain in the lower abdomen, if you feel bloated or have stomach cramps
• if you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are feeling or being sick
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Sodium Picosulfate

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Stimulant laxatives should not be given to children unless a doctor has prescribed them.
• Sodium Picosulfate takes 6-12 hours to take effect, therefore it is best taken at bedtime.
• 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 it's own.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than your doctor has told you. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor for advice.

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 can make constipation worse.

Can Sodium Picosulfate cause problems?

Tummy cramps or griping pains(colic).

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

How to store Sodium Picosulfate

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep unwanted or out of date medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 25/04/2005