sodium picosulfate monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Stimulant laxative
Licensed use
Relief of occasional constipation
Form
Oral solution that may be diluted with purified water
Important limitation
It does not reduce calorie or nutrient absorption and does not help with weight loss
What is sodium picosulfate monohydrate used for?
The selected products are licensed for:
Relief of occasional constipation.
How does sodium picosulfate monohydrate work?
Bacteria in the lower bowel convert sodium picosulfate into its active form. This stimulates movement in the colon and rectum and promotes water accumulation in the bowel, helping stools move through and become softer. Very little is absorbed into the bloodstream.
sodium picosulfate monohydrate preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg/5 mL
How to take sodium picosulfate monohydrate
Take the oral solution exactly as directed on the label, leaflet or by the prescriber. Measure it with the supplied measuring device rather than a household spoon.
The solution may be diluted with purified water.
Maintain adequate fluid intake unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise.
Do not use it for weight loss or continue self-treatment when constipation is persistent or recurrent.
sodium picosulfate monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort, pain or cramps
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reactions, including facial or throat swelling and serious skin reactions
- Fainting or marked dizziness
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea causing dehydration or electrolyte disturbance
sodium picosulfate monohydrate in pregnancy
UK pregnancy information indicates that laxatives have not been linked to known fetal risks, but stimulant laxatives such as sodium picosulfate are generally considered after lifestyle measures and other laxative types. Selected product information advises use during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, only following medical advice when expected benefit outweighs possible risk.
sodium picosulfate monohydrate while breastfeeding
Specialist UK guidance states that sodium picosulfate can be used while breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant because systemic absorption is low and its active metabolite has not been detected in limited milk data. Selected product information is more cautious and advises use only on medical advice; individual circumstances and formulation excipients should be considered.
sodium picosulfate monohydrate interactions
Clinically relevant interactions mainly concern altered laxative action or the consequences of fluid and electrolyte loss.
Diuretics
Excessive laxative effect may increase the risk of fluid and electrolyte disturbance, including low potassium.
Corticosteroids
Excessive laxative effect may increase the risk of electrolyte disturbance.
Common questions about sodium picosulfate monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does sodium picosulfate monohydrate help with weight loss?
No. It acts in the colon and does not reduce absorption of calories or essential nutrients. Any apparent weight change from diarrhoea reflects fluid loss and may be harmful.
Can children take sodium picosulfate monohydrate?
Suitability depends on the specific product. One selected product is for adults only, while Twelve Plus is licensed for people over 12; children under 12 should not use stimulant laxatives unless prescribed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.