Routes ofadministration Oral PubChem CID 68654 Molar mass 481.409 g/mol | CAS Number 10040-45-6 ChemSpider 61910 | |
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AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names ATC code A06AB08 (WHO)A06AB58 (WHO) (combinations) | ||
Sodium picosulfate (INN, also known as sodium picosulphate) is a contact stimulant laxative used as a treatment for constipation or to prepare the large bowel before colonoscopy or surgery. It is sold under the trade names Sodipic Picofast, Laxoberal, Laxoberon, Purg-Odan, Picolax, Guttalax, Namilax, Pico-Salax, PicoPrep, and Prepopik, among others.
Contents
Effects
Orally administered sodium picosulfate is generally used for thorough evacuation of the bowel, usually for patients who are preparing to undergo a colonoscopy. It takes 12–24 hours to work, since it works in the colon.
The most common side effects of picosulfate are abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
The use of sodium picosulfate has also been associated with certain electrolyte disturbances, such as hyponatremia and hypokalemia. Patients are often required to drink large amounts of clear fluids as well as rehydrate to reestablish the electrolyte balance.
Mechanism of action
Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug. It has no significant direct physiological effect on the intestine; however, it is metabolised by gut bacteria into the active compound 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl-(2-pyridiyl)methane (DPM, BPHM). This compound is a stimulant laxative and increases peristalsis in the gut.
Sodium picosulfate is typically prescribed in a combined formulation with magnesium citrate, an osmotic laxative. This combination is a highly effective laxative, often prescribed to patients for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopies.