Sodium picosulfate
Indications
Sodium picosulfate is used for:
Constipation, Bowel evacuation before investigational procedures
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
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Contra Indications
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.
Precautions
Childn. Pregnancy and lactation.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Increased risk of electrolyte imbalance w/ diuretics or adreno-corticosteroids. Increased sensitivity to cardiac glycosides resulting from electrolyte imbalance. Reduced laxative action w/ antibiotics.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Sodium picosulfate :
Abdominal discomfort (e.g. abdominal pain and cramps), diarrhoea. Rarely, allergic reactions (e.g. skin reactions, angioedema).
Mechanism 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.