Picosulfate de sodium

About sodium picosulfate

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation.

However, many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they are constipated unless they go to the toilet every day. This is not the case. A useful definition of constipation is going to the toilet less frequently than is normal for you, and passing hard stools (faeces) when you do go.

Sodium picosulfate works by encouraging the muscles in your bowel to move waste products through your body. This helps you to go to the toilet. It usually has an effect within 6-12 hours. Sodium picosulfate preparations are available to buy without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Preparations containing sodium picosulfate (in combination with another laxative called magnesium citrate) are sometimes used to clear the bowel before some medical examinations. When it is used like this, you will be provided with sachets of powder by your hospital or clinic. You will also be given full instructions for how to use them.

The rest of the information in this leaflet is about sodium picosulfate when it is used for constipation.

Before taking sodium picosulfate

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using sodium picosulfate if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If it is for a child. This is because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• If you have severe pain in your tummy (abdomen) and feel sick (nausea).

• If you have recently had any bowel or abdominal surgery, or if you have been told you have an inflammatory bowel condition.

• If you are lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated) or taking 'water' tablets (diuretics)

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.
  

How to take sodium picosulfate

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about sodium picosulfate and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• The dose for adults is 5-10 ml of liquid. Sodium picosulfate takes about 6-12 hours to work; therefore, it is best taken at bedtime.

• If sodium picosulfate has been prescribed for your child, follow carefully the instructions you are given, as your doctor will adjust the dose according to your child's age and needs.

• Sodium picosulfate should only be used for a short time. This is because your bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on its own. If you are still constipated after taking it for five days, you should speak with your doctor.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• A healthy diet containing fibre (wholegrain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with six to eight full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate leaflets called Constipation (for adults) and Constipation in Children.

Can sodium picosulfate cause problems?

En plus de leurs effets bénéfiques, la plupart des médicaments peuvent provoquer des effets secondaires indésirables, bien que tout le monde ne les ressente pas. Ceux-ci s'améliorent généralement à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais parlez à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien si l'un des effets secondaires suivants persiste ou devient gênant.

Important: do not use sodium picosulfate for more than five days without speaking to your doctor or a pharmacist. Overuse of stimulant laxatives is harmful; it leads to loss of fluids and can make you dehydrated. It can also prevent your intestines from working properly. Signs you are dehydrated include feeling thirsty, dark urine, shaky or weak muscles, blurred vision and fainting.

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus à ce médicament, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

How to store sodium picosulfate

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments