Pico-Salax – Uses, Side Effects, Interactions – Drug …

Drug Factsheets Health Home>>Medications (picosulfate sodium - magnesium oxide - citric acid) DIN (Drug Identification Number) 02254794 PICO-SALAX POWDER FOR SOLUTION How does Pico-Salax work? What will it do for me?

This is a combination product that contains three ingredients: picosulfate sodium, magnesium oxide, and citric acid. This medication is used to cleanse the bowel in preparation for a colonoscopy, barium enema x-ray exam, or surgical procedures that require a clean colon.

Picosulfate sodium belongs to the class of medications called stimulant laxatives, which activate the colon and stimulate the muscles in the colon to contract, causing a bowel movement. Magnesium oxide and citric acid combine to form magnesium citrate, which is an osmotic laxative that increases water in the colon. The combined effect clears out the bowels. Full bowel cleansing usually occurs within 3 to 6 hours or less.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

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The usual dose depends on age and weight. The usual adult dose is 2 sachets 6 to 8 hours apart the day before the exam or surgery. The usual dose for children ages 1 to 6 years is sachet in the morning and sachet in the afternoon (6 to 8 hours later) the day before the procedure. For children ages 6 to 12 the usual dose is sachet in the morning and sachet in the afternoon (6 to 8 hours later) the day before the procedure.

The day before your procedure, dissolve one dose into 150mL of water. The exact hour you should take this depends on what time your procedure is scheduled for, and your doctor will give you specific instructions. The second dose is dissolved in 150mL water 6 to 8 hours later.

It is important to drink 1.5L to 2L of clear fluids (water; sports drinks; clear fruit juices such as apple, grape, or cranberry juice; broths) between doses: Drink about 250mL of water each hour after each dose until the effects of the medication have worn off and bowel movements have stopped.

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Pico-Salax - Uses, Side Effects, Interactions - Drug ...