citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined stimulant and osmotic bowel-cleansing laxative.
Usual role
Clears the bowel before an X-ray examination, endoscopy or surgery when clinically necessary.
What to expect
Frequent, urgent and watery bowel movements; remain near a toilet.
Hydration
Drink the permitted clear liquids advised by the procedure team; fluid replacement should not consist only of water.
What is citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate used for?
Licensed UK uses include bowel cleansing in adults and children aged one year and over.
Before an X-ray examination of the bowel.
Before endoscopy.
Before surgery when bowel cleansing is judged clinically necessary.
How does citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate work?
Bacteria in the colon activate sodium picosulfate, which increases movement of the large bowel and rectum. Magnesium citrate retains fluid in the colon. Together, these actions wash bowel contents through.
How to take citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate
Follow the procedure unit’s written diet, fluid, fasting and administration instructions. Mix the prescribed powder thoroughly with water. The solution may become warm, so let it cool before drinking. Continue the permitted variety of clear liquids as instructed, do not replace losses using only water, and stay near a toilet.
Tell the procedure team about all medicines and supplements before starting.
Use opened sachets immediately and discard unused powder or solution.
Follow the team’s instructions if you have diabetes or take medicines requiring reliable absorption.
citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Raised blood magnesium
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, including throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Seizure, fainting, confusion or reduced consciousness
- Low sodium or potassium, particularly with neurological or cardiovascular symptoms
- Severe diarrhoea, dehydration or significant electrolyte disturbance
citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate in pregnancy
Clinical pregnancy data are unavailable, and the UK SmPC advises avoiding this preparation as a precaution. If bowel preparation is required, the specialist arranging the procedure should select and supervise it.
citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate while breastfeeding
Use may be considered during breastfeeding. Sodium picosulfate is considered compatible for full-term, healthy infants because systemic exposure is low. Individual assessment is appropriate, particularly for a premature or unwell infant, and maternal hydration should be protected.
citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate interactions
Rapid bowel transit, diarrhoea and magnesium can alter the absorption or effects of other medicines.
Oral medicines, including antiepileptics, contraceptives, antidiabetics and antibiotics
Absorption may be reduced; ask the procedure team whether administration needs adjusting.
Tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, iron, digoxin, chlorpromazine and penicillamine
Magnesium can bind these medicines and reduce absorption. A clinician or pharmacist should direct appropriate separation.
Diuretics, corticosteroids and cardiac glycosides
Fluid loss or low potassium may be more likely or more clinically important.
Common questions about citric acid, anhydrous + magnesium oxide light + sodium picosulfate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is Picolax used for ordinary constipation?
No. It is licensed for bowel cleansing before specified procedures and should not be used as a routine laxative.
Can I drink only water with Picolax?
No. Use the permitted variety of clear fluids as directed because replacing losses with water alone can contribute to dangerous electrolyte imbalance.
Can Picolax affect regular tablets?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.