citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined stimulant and osmotic bowel cleanser.
Licensed use
Bowel cleansing before diagnostic procedures requiring an empty bowel.
Who it is licensed for
Adults, including older adults; not licensed for people under 18.
What to expect
Frequent, urgent watery bowel movements; stay close to a toilet.
Hydration
Clear fluids are important because bowel cleansing can cause dehydration and electrolyte loss.
What is citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate used for?
Licensed in adults for bowel cleansing before diagnostic procedures requiring a clean bowel.
Preparation for colonoscopy.
Preparation for an X-ray or another diagnostic bowel examination requiring an empty bowel.
Not intended as a routine treatment for constipation.
How does citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate work?
Sodium picosulfate stimulates bowel contractions in the colon. Citric acid reacts with magnesium oxide to form magnesium citrate, which retains water in the bowel. Together they produce watery evacuation; the active components act locally and are not detectably absorbed.
How to take citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate
Follow the diet, fluid, fasting and administration instructions from the endoscopy or radiology team. Empty the sachet into cold tap water and stir. The cloudy solution may become warm; let it cool before drinking it immediately. Drink the advised varied clear fluids rather than water alone and remain near a toilet.
Do not eat solid food after starting the preparation unless the clinical team instructs otherwise.
Do not further dilute the prepared solution by drinking liquid immediately with it.
Tell the team beforehand if you cannot drink substantial fluids or have a fluid restriction, kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes.
Follow the clinical team's instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Watery diarrhoea and frequent bowel movements—the intended effect
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Thirst or dry mouth
- Headache
- Tiredness or disturbed sleep
- Anal discomfort or soreness
Get urgent medical advice
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Seizure, severe confusion, collapse or pronounced dizziness
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, particularly with rectal bleeding
- Persistent vomiting or inability to maintain fluid intake
- Widespread hives, rash or other features of severe hypersensitivity
citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate in pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy because exposure data are unavailable and sodium picosulfate is a stimulant laxative. Tell the hospital promptly if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate while breastfeeding
Use may be considered during breastfeeding because of the ingredients' pharmacokinetic properties. Specialist guidance considers sodium picosulfate compatible with breastfeeding for full-term, healthy infants because gastrointestinal absorption is minimal. Discuss use with the clinical team if the infant was premature or is unwell.
citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate interactions
Rapid bowel transit, diarrhoea and magnesium can alter other medicines' absorption or effects. The endoscopy team should review all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products.
Oral contraceptives
Diarrhoea and rapid transit may reduce absorption. Ask a pharmacist or sexual-health clinician about additional contraception.
Oral antiepileptics, diabetes medicines and antibiotics
Rapid transit may reduce or alter absorption, potentially affecting clinical control.
Tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics and penicillamine
Magnesium can bind these medicines and reduce absorption; obtain specific separation instructions from the clinical team.
Common questions about citric acid + light magnesium oxide + sodium picosulfate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this used for constipation?
No. It is a strong bowel cleanser for diagnostic procedures, not a routine laxative.
Why are clear fluids important?
The resulting diarrhoea causes fluid and salt loss. Clear fluids help reduce dehydration, dizziness, low blood pressure and electrolyte disturbance.
Can it affect my regular tablets?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.