Sodium Picosulfate/Magnesium/Citric Acid (By mouth)

SIT-rik AS-id, mag-NEE-zee-um OX-ide, SOE-dee-um pye-koe-sul-fate

Used to cleanse the bowels in preparation for a colonoscopy. This medicine is a laxative.

Drug classes

Laxative, Stimulant Combination (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate combination is used to cleanse the colon (bowel) in preparation for a procedure called colonoscopy. This medicine is a laxative. It works by causing you to have diarrhea to clean your colon. Cleaning your colon will help your doctor see the inside of your colon more clearly during colonoscopy.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Split-dose dosing: Take the first dose the night before your colonoscopy. Take the second dose the next day, in the morning or at least 5 hours before your colonoscopy. If you have severe bloating, distension, or stomach pain after you take the first dose, you may need to wait until your symptoms improve before you take the second dose.

Day-before dosing: Take the first dose in the afternoon or early evening. Take the second dose at least 6 hours after the first dose, the night before your colonoscopy.

To use the medicine:

One dose of this medicine contains 2 packets of powder. Each packet is mixed with cold water and taken at separate times. Drink the liquid right away after you mix it. Do not prepare the oral liquid in advance. Do not take the powder directly without mixing it with cold water. Use the supplied medicine cup to prepare the oral liquid. Drink the additional prescribed amount of clear liquids (such as water, apple juice, white cranberry juice, white grape juice, or ginger ale) before and after every dose of this medicine, and before your colonoscopy. Do not eat solid foods or drink milk while you are taking this medicine.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not take other laxatives while you are taking this medicine. Do not take any oral medicine within 1 hour before you take this medicine.

Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

Blood pressure medicine Carbamazepine Depression medicine Diuretic (water pill) Medicine to treat mental illness NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen Steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone

Take chlorpromazine, digoxin, penicillamine, iron supplements, or antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to citric acid, magnesium oxide, or sodium picosulfate, or you have problems emptying food or liquids from your stomach.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or heart problems, trouble swallowing, ulcerative colitis, or a history of seizures.

This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems, kidney problems, or seizures.

This medicine may cause dehydration. Drink extra liquids before and after you take this medicine.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching

Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

Fast or uneven heartbeats

Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting

Seizures

Severe stomach pain, bleeding from the rectum

Trouble swallowing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Prepopik

There may be other brand names for this medicine.