Sodium Picosulfate
About
Sodium Picosulfate belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation associated with piles, anal fissure, hernia, cardiovascular disorder, endoscopy, bowel clearance before radioscopy, pre/post-operative conditions, elderly and bed-ridden patients. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass.
Sodium Picosulfate consists of 'Sodium picosulphate' that prevents the absorption of water in the colon/intestine, thereby stimulating the propulsive (pushing forward) activity, which in turn promotes accumulation of water providing 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. 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 as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Sodium Picosulfate
Medicinal Benefits
Sodium Picosulfate belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation associated with piles, anal fissure, hernia, cardiovascular disorder, endoscopy, bowel clearance before radioscopy, pre/post-operative conditions, elderly and bed-ridden patients. Sodium Picosulfate consists of Sodium picosulphate that is a stimulant laxative, prevents the absorption of water in the colonic lumen and stimulates the colon's propulsive activity, thereby promoting water accumulation
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Picosulfate
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort, pain, or cramps
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sodium Picosulfate if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have/had acute abdominal surgery, intestinal obstruction, or undiagnosed abdominal pain. 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 as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Sodium Picosulfate may have interaction with antibiotic (tetracycline), diuretics (furosemide), and steroids (prednisolone).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: 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; 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
safe if prescribedSodium Picosulfate has negligible influence on your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeSodium Picosulfate should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try maintaining a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated, drink enough water and fluids.
- Exercise regularly, and stay fit.
- Get enough sleep.
- Try making time to empty your bowels whenever the body tells you to.
- Eat food rich in fibre such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears, figs), and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
Special Advise
Include more fiber in your diet to avoid constipation and most importantly never ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
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 the 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 feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the normal muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of the bowel from the body. Constipation could be associated with a sudden change of diet, a diet with less fibre, not drinking enough liquids, lack of exercise, loss of tone of the bowel muscles in older people, or staying in bed for a longer duration.
FAQs
Sodium Picosulfate consists of Sodium picosulphate that is a stimulant laxative, prevents the absorption of water in the colonic lumen and stimulates the colon's propulsive activity, thereby promoting water accumulation
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 might also cause dehydration, imbalance of fluids and salts in the body, affecting the tightness of muscles in the intestine. If your bowel movement is 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 feels like weight loss. Drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
Consult your doctor before taking Sodium Picosulfate with other medicines as Sodium Picosulfate may increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, and this may affect the absorption of other orally administered medicines given 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.
Diarrhea might occur if Sodium Picosulfate is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fiber if you experience diarrhea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Constipation happens when the normal actions of muscle in the large intestine get slowed down, which means the waste part (stools) did not get easily eliminated from the body.
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