Product Details

Product Information of Picolax Sachets

What you need to know before you take Picolax

Do not take Picolax if you: • are allergic to sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / citric acid or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) • have reduced ability of the stomach to empty (gastric retention) • have stomach or intestinal ulcers • have severe problems with your kidneys • have a blockage or perforation of your bowel • are currently suffering from feeling or being sick • have a condition requiring abdominal surgery such as acute appendicitis • have been told by a doctor that you have congestive heart failure (the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently around the body) • have active inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis • have been told by your doctor that you have too much magnesium in your blood • are very thirsty or may be severely dehydrated • have been told by your doctor that you have damaged muscles that are leaking their contents to your blood • have a condition called: – ileus (intestinal blockage or failure of normal bowel movements), – toxic colitis (damage to the intestinal wall) – toxic megacolon (expansion of the large bowel) In these conditions, the movement of the contents of the bowel may be impaired or prevented. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tenderness or swelling, colicky pain and fever. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Picolax®: • if you have recently had abdominal surgery • if you have a heart disease or kidney problems • if you have inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease • if you are taking Picolax® prior to surgery involving the bowel Package leaflet: Information for the patient Picolax® Powder for oral solution Sodium Picosulfate / Magnesium Oxide / Citric Acid You should make sure to drink a sufficient amount of fluid and electrolytes during the course of the treatment. This is particularly important if you are younger than 18 years, elderly or physically weak. If you have an early time of the day procedure, you might need to take the second dose during night and possible sleep disturbance may occur. Other medicines and Picolax® Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking: • bulk forming laxatives e.g. bran • prescribed oral medication, especially if it is regularly prescribed as their effects may be modified e.g. contraceptives, antibiotics, antidiabetics, iron, penicillamine or antiepileptics. These medicines should be taken at least 2 hours before and not less than 6 hours after administration of Picolax® • prescribed medication that may affect water and/or electrolyte balance e.g. water tablets, steroids, lithium, digoxin, antidepressants, carbamazepine or anti-psychotics Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are trying to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Picolax® has no effect on the ability to drive and use machines. However, you should make sure that you have access to a toilet at all times following each dose, until the effect wears off. Picolax® contains potassium, lactose and sodium Each sachet contains 5 mmol (or 195 mg) potassium. You should discuss this with your doctor if you have kidney problems or you have been put on a controlled potassium diet. This medicine also contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per sachet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’