Sodium Picosulfate
About Sodium Picosulfate
Sodium Picosulfate belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation associated with piles, anal fissures, hernia, cardiovascular disorders, endoscopy, bowel clearance before radioscopy, pre/post-operative conditions, elderly and bed-ridden patients. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements, characterised by stools that are often dry, painful, and difficult to pass.
Sodium Picosulfate contains Sodium Picosulfate that prevents the absorption of water in the colon/intestine, thereby stimulating the propulsive (pushing forward) activity, which in turn promotes the accumulation of water, providing that stool can pass with ease. Thus, it relieves constipation.
You can take Sodium Picosulfate with or without food. You are advised to take Sodium Picosulfate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, pain, or cramps in some cases. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Sodium Picosulfate for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) while taking Sodium Picosulfate to prevent dehydration. Do not take Sodium Picosulfate for more than a week, as it might cause dependency on Sodium Picosulfate for a bowel movement. Consult your doctor if you experience any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for more than two weeks. Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sodium Picosulfate should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Sodium Picosulfate
• Relief of Constipation: Sodium Picosulfate is used for short-term treatment of occasional constipation associated with various conditions, such as haemorrhoids (piles), anal fissures, hernia, cardiovascular disorders, pre/post-operative conditions, and in elderly or bed-ridden patients.
• Bowel Cleansing Before Procedures: Sodium Picosulfate is used to cleanse the bowel before diagnostic or surgical procedures, including colonoscopy, laparoscopy, childbirth, and radiological investigations.
Medicinal Benefits
Sodium Picosulfate belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation associated with piles, anal fissures, hernia, cardiovascular disorders, endoscopy, bowel clearance before radioscopy, pre/post-operative conditions, elderly and bed-ridden patients. Sodium Picosulfate consists of Sodium Picosulphate, which is a stimulant laxative that prevents the absorption of water in the colonic lumen and stimulates the colon's propulsive activity, thereby promoting water accumulation.
Directions for Use
- Sodium Picosulfate can be taken with or without food.
- It is usually taken once daily at bedtime or prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Sodium Picosulfate as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Picosulfate
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort, pain, or cramps
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sodium Picosulfate if you are allergic to any of its contents or if you have/had or have acute abdominal surgeries (appendicitis), inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation or ulceration, severe dehydration, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, acute liver failure, or severe abdominal pain with vomiting and nausea. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) while taking Sodium Picosulfate. Do not take Sodium Picosulfate for more than a week, as it might cause dependency on Sodium Picosulfate for a bowel movement. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for over 2 weeks. Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sodium Picosulfate should not be given to children under 10 years, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Sodium Picosulfate may interact with antibiotics (tetracycline), diuretics (furosemide), steroids (prednisolone), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine), and pain relievers (aspirin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Sodium Picosulfate may interact with intestinal obstruction disorder, appendicitis, intestinal blockage, and bowel inflammation.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Sodium Picosulfate. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe you Sodium Picosulfate if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if Sodium Picosulfate can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
safeSodium Picosulfate has negligible influence on your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionPlease inform your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you have liver impairment/liver disease. Sodium Picosulfate may not be recommended in case of acute liver failure.
Kidney
cautionPlease inform your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeSodium Picosulfate should not be given to children below 10 years, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat more natural fiber – Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses in your meals. These add bulk to your stool and help it move more easily through your intestines.
- Drink enough water every day – Aim to drink at least 6–8 glasses of water per day. Staying well-hydrated helps keep stools soft and easier to pass.
- Limit processed and low-fibre foods – Cut back on foods like white bread, cheese, fast food, and snacks that lack fibre and can slow digestion.
- Stay physically active – Engaging in daily movement, such as walking, stretching, or light exercise, helps keep your intestines active and supports regular bowel movements.
- Create a bathroom routine – Try going to the toilet at the same time every day, especially after meals. This helps train your body to have regular bowel movements.
- Don’t ignore the urge to go – When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, don’t delay. Waiting can lead to harder, drier stools.
- Use a healthy toilet posture – When sitting on the toilet, place your feet on a small stool to raise your knees. This position can help you pass stool naturally.
- Manage stress and rest well – High stress and inadequate sleep can impact your digestion. Try deep breathing, meditation, or other calming routines, and aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements. The stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass. Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. However, bowel patterns may vary from person to person. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and the feeling that bowel movements are incomplete. Constipation occurs when the regular muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of waste from the body. Constipation can be associated with a sudden change in diet, a diet low in fibre, insufficient fluid intake, lack of exercise, loss of bowel muscle tone in older individuals, or prolonged bed rest.
FAQs
Sodium Picosulfate is used to treat constipation associated with piles, anal fissures, hernias, cardiovascular disorders, endoscopy, bowel clearance before radioscopy, pre/post-operative conditions, and elderly and bedridden patients.
Sodium Picosulfate consists of Sodium Picosulphate, which is a stimulant laxative. It prevents the absorption of water in the colonic lumen and stimulates the colon's propulsive activity, thereby promoting the accumulation of water.
Do not take Sodium Picosulfate for more than a week, as it might lead to dependency on Sodium Picosulfate for a bowel movement. Taking Sodium Picosulfate for longer durations may also cause dehydration and an imbalance of fluids and salts in the body, which can affect the tightness of muscles in the intestine. If your bowel movements are irregular, even after taking Sodium Picosulfate for a week, consult your doctor.
Sodium Picosulfate does not help with weight loss. It does not reduce the absorption of calories or nutrients. Sodium Picosulfate may cause dehydration, which can lead to a feeling of weight loss. Drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate with other medications, as Sodium Picosulfate may increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, which could affect the absorption of other orally administered medicines taken simultaneously.
Overuse or prolonged use of Sodium Picosulfate may cause dehydration. Severe dehydration may cause weakness, tremors, fainting, and blurry vision. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
Diarrhoea might occur if Sodium Picosulfate is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excessive diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
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