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Home > Drug Category > Laxatives & Antidiarrhea > Pico-Salax and Equivalent

Pico-salax Information

Pico-salax (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and citric acid) is a very strong purgative i.e., medicine that causes the bowels to empty. Pico-salax is used to cleanse the bowel of faecal matter and secretions prior to x-ray examination, colonoscopy or surgery. This product is not intended for routine use as a laxative. Magnesium oxide and citric acid combine together (chemical reaction) in water to form magnesium citrate, which works as an osmotic laxative drawing water into the bowel to help make the stool soft and more watery. Sodium picosulfate works as a stimulant laxative to increase the bowel movements to move the contents along. Together they work to empty the bowel prior to medical procedures. Full bowel cleansing usually occurs within 3 to 6 hours or less. Pico-salax is available in sachets.

Pico-salax Side Effects

The side effects of Pico-salax are rare and may include hyponatraemia (low blood sodium); epilepsy; loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions; nausea; rash; headache; sore anus; stomach pain; increased thirst; hypersensitivity. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Convulsion, epilepsy, confusional state, headache;
• Hyponatraemia (a metabolic condition in which there is not enough sodium in the body fluids outside the cells). Symptoms can include vomiting, confusion, fatigue and irritability;
• Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea.

Pico-salax Precautions

Do not use Pico-salax if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medication or if you have reduced ability of the stomach to empty; have gastric or intestinal ulcers; appendicitis; gastrointestinal blockage; intestinal blockage or failure of normal movements; damage to intestinal wall; have congestive cardiac failure; have severely reduced kidney function. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you recently had gastrointestinal surgery; have heart or kidney problems; have diabetes; have salt/mineral imbalance; have inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis; are using bulk forming laxatives; have a history of seizures; are pregnant or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Pico-salax and other medications. If you have special dietary requirements, please discuss this with your doctor. At least 3 days prior to your procedure, do not consume seeds or nuts due to digestive residue and do not consume any fresh fruits or raw vegetables (i.e. no salads) and no multigrain bread. Do not drink alcohol together with sodium picosulfate, magnesium, and citric acid. If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly.

Do I need a prescription to order Pico-Salax?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Pico-Salax.