Sodium Picosulfate 5 mg/5 mL, Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Oral solution

Available Strengths: 5 mg/5 mL,

Reference Brands: Picolax (UK), Dulcolax Pico (EU)

Category: Gastrointestinal Drugs

Sodium Picosulfate is a stimulant laxative used for the short-term treatment of constipation and for bowel cleansing prior to medical procedures such as colonoscopy. It works by stimulating bowel muscle contractions, promoting effective bowel movements.

Product Description:

Sodium picosulfate is a stimulant laxative prodrug. It passes unchanged through the stomach and small intestine; in the colon, bacteria convert it to its active form, bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane. The active metabolite stimulates colonic nerves to increase peristalsis and inhibits water absorption, softening stool. Because activation needs colonic bacteria, it acts in the colon only, usually within six to twelve hours, and is typically taken at bedtime.

As an oral solution it is used for short-term constipation. Combined with magnesium oxide and citric acid, which form magnesium citrate as an osmotic laxative, it is used for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy and surgery — a different product. Cramping and diarrhoea are the expected adverse effects. Regular long-term use of stimulant laxatives is discouraged. Bowel preparation regimens can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbance, including hyponatraemia with seizures, particularly in older patients and those on diuretics.

Sourcing notes. The single-agent oral solution and the bowel-cleansing combination are separate products and registrations. Buyers should state which they need, and not assume one brand covers both. Oral solution for constipation is low-cost with many manufacturers. Stimulant laxative use by children is restricted in some markets.