Consumer medicine information

1. Why am I taking PICOSALAX?

PICOSALAX contains the active ingredient sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate. PICOSALAX is used for clearance of the bowel before x-ray, endoscopy or surgery.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I taking PICOSALAX? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I take PICOSALAX?

Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to PICOSALAX or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I take PICOSALAX? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with PICOSALAX and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I take PICOSALAX?

• For adults and children 9 years and over, the usual dose is two sachets but the timing of each dose can vary and may depend on the time of your examination.

• The sachets must be made up in water before drinking.

5. What should I know while taking PICOSALAX?

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. Most of them are minor and temporary but some may need medical attention.
Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects, including rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing. These are very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

Boxed Warnings

Life threatening dehydration and/or electrolyte disturbances may occur in 'at risk' groups (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

1 Name of Medicine

Citric acid.
Light magnesium oxide.
Sodium picosulfate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Active ingredients. Sodium picosulfate 10 mg with magnesium citrate formed in solution from light magnesium oxide 3.5 g and citric acid 12 g.
Inactive. Potassium bicarbonate (equivalent to 5 mmol (195 mg) potassium), saccharin sodium, orange flavour (containing lactose monohydrate (equivalent to 4.5 mg of lactose)).

3 Pharmaceutical Form

White crystalline powder for solution.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.9 Overdose

Overdosage would lead to profuse diarrhoea with dehydration and fluid/ electrolyte imbalance. Treatment is by general supportive measures and correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity. No data available.
Carcinogenicity. No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Sodium picosulfate. Molecular formula: C₁₈H₁₃NNa₂O₈S₂. MW 481.4. CAS: 10040-45-6.
Light magnesium oxide. Molecular formula: MgO. MW: 40.3. CAS: 1309-48-4.
Citric acid. Molecular formula: C₆H₈O₇. MW: 192.1. CAS: 77-92-9.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S3 (Pharmacist Only Medicine).

Summary Table of Changes

https://stagingapi.mims.com/au/public/v2/images/fulltablegif/PICOSAST.gif