Picolax powder contains sodium picosulfate 10 mg, magnesium Oxide 3.5 g, and citric acid 12 g, a bowel cleansing preparation used before colonoscopy, endoscopy, X-ray examinations, and bowel surgery. Adequate hydration with clear fluids is essential during treatment.Medicines.org.uk
Key Benefits
- Effectively cleanses the bowel before procedures
- Promotes complete bowel evacuation
- Dual-action bowel cleansing
- Helps improve visibility during colonoscopy and endoscopy
- Easy-to-prepare oral solution
Uses
- Colonoscopy preparation
- Endoscopy preparation
- Bowel preparation before surgery
- Bowel cleansing before radiological procedures
Active Ingredients
- Sodium Picosulfate 10 mg
- Magnesium Oxide 3.5 g
- Citric Acid (Anhydrous) 12 g
How to Take
Always take Picolax® exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are unsure about the instructions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Preparing the Solution
- Empty the contents of one sachet into a cup containing approximately 150ml of cold water.
- Stir for 2–3 minutes until the powder dissolves.
- The solution may become warm as the powder dissolves. If this happens, allow it to cool sufficiently before drinking.
- Drink the prepared solution as directed.
- Recommended Dosage
Adults, older adults and children aged 9 years and above
Take two doses according to the timing of your scheduled procedure:
- First dose: Take one sachet 10–18 hours before the procedure.
- Second dose: Take one sachet 4–6 hours before the procedure.
Important fluid instructions:
- After the first sachet, drink at least five 250ml servings of clear liquids, spread over several hours.
- After the second sachet, drink at least three 250ml servings of clear liquids, spread over several hours.
- Continue drinking permitted clear liquids until 2 hours before the procedure, following your hospital’s instructions.
- Do not rely on water alone. Include a variety of permitted clear liquids.
Children Under 9 Years
The timing of doses follows the schedule described for adults, but the amount of powder depends on the child’s age.
- From 1 year to under 2 years: One measuring spoon for the first dose and one spoon for the second dose.
- From 2 years to under 4 years: Two measuring spoons for the first dose and two spoons for the second dose.
- From 4 years to under 9 years: One full sachet for the first dose and two measuring spoons for the second dose.
- From 9 years onwards: Follow the adult dosage instructions.
Use the measuring spoon supplied with the product. A healthcare professional should guide preparation and fluid intake for children.
- How to Measure and Prepare Children’s Doses
One level measuring spoon contains 4g of powder.
- Fill the measuring spoon with a heap of powder.
- Level the powder using the flat back of a knife.
- Transfer the measured powder into a cup of water.
- Use approximately 50ml of water for one spoonful or 100ml for two spoonfuls.
- Stir for 2–3 minutes and drink the solution once it has cooled sufficiently, if necessary.
- Discard any remaining powder in the sachet after measuring the required dose.
Maintaining Hydration
Picolax causes frequent, loose bowel movements. Ensure that you have easy access to a toilet after each dose until the effects wear off.
To replace fluid lost through bowel movements, drink plenty of permitted clear liquids throughout treatment and until bowel movements have stopped. Suitable options include:
- Fruit juice without pulp
- Clear soup
- Soft drinks
- Tea or coffee without milk, soy milk or cream
- Water
Do not drink only water. Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions about fluid intake and dietary restrictions before the procedure.
Important Reminders
- Follow the dietary instructions provided by your doctor or hospital.
- The success of your procedure depends on adequate bowel cleansing. Incomplete preparation may mean the procedure needs to be repeated.
- Picolax is intended for bowel cleansing before procedures such as examinations or surgery when prescribed. It should not be used as a routine laxative.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice rather than changing the schedule yourself. Medicines.org.uk
Precautions
- Use only for bowel preparation as prescribed.
- Maintain adequate hydration throughout treatment.
- Do not use if you have bowel obstruction, severe dehydration, or severe kidney disease.
- Follow any dietary instructions provided before your procedure.
