sod picosulf-mag ox-citric ac Oral

Drugs & Medications

Sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/citric acid solution is used to clean out the intestines before surgery or certain procedures (such as colonoscopy, X-rays). It is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of water into your intestines and stimulating the colon. This causes watery bowel movements (diarrhea). Clearing stool from the intestines helps your doctor to better examine the inside of your colon.

How to use sod picosulf-mag ox-citric ac Oral
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. Be sure to read and follow all instructions for use from your doctor or the manufacturer before taking this product. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow any special diet instructions provided by your doctor. Usually, you may have a small breakfast or only clear liquids on the day before your procedure. After breakfast, you may only drink clear liquids until after your procedure. Do not drink milk, other dairy products, or red/dark-colored liquids. To prevent losing too much body water (becoming dehydrated), drink as much clear liquid as you can before, during, and after drinking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Take this product in 2 separate doses as directed by your doctor, usually the evening before and the next day in the morning, or 2 doses the day before your procedure. Carefully follow your doctor\'s directions for when to take each dose. The dosage is based on your age and medical condition.
Just before taking, mix each dose with 5 ounces/150 milliliters of cold water as directed. Stir well until the powder dissolves completely (2 to 3 minutes), then drink all of it. After taking your first dose, drink five full glasses (8 ounces/240 milliliters) of clear liquid (about 1 glassful each hour). After your second dose, drink at least three full glasses (8 ounces/240 milliliters) of clear liquid. You may drink clear liquids until 2 hours before your procedure, unless otherwise directed.
If you have bloating or stomach/abdominal pain after taking this product, it may help if you stop drinking clear liquids for a little while or allow a longer time between each dose.
Watery bowel movements usually begin 2 to 4 hours after you drink the mixed liquid. This is normal and shows that the medicine is working. You should have access to a toilet until the effects of this medication have worn off.
Do not take any other medications by mouth within 1 hour before you start to drink the mixed liquid because your body may not absorb the other medications. Some medications (such as digoxin, iron, tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin/levofloxacin) should not be taken within 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when to take your other medications.

Frequent, very watery bowel movements at any time should occur after you drink the mixed liquid. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, headache, or stomach/abdominal cramps may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication can cause your body to lose too much fluid and salts (dehydration) or cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects: confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizure, unusual decrease in amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart attack), kidney problems, salt/mineral imbalance (such as low level of sodium in the blood), seizure, stomach/intestinal problems (such as gastric retention, blockage, ulcers, ulcerative colitis), trouble swallowing.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
Do not use other laxatives while taking this product.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory tests (such as sodium/potassium blood levels) may be performed before or after taking this medication to check for side effects. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

MISSED DOSE:
If you are unable to drink all of the mixed medication and clear liquids as directed, call your doctor right away. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.