Sodium picosulfate Dulcolax Pico, CitraFleet, Picolax

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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Sodium picosulfate should only be used to provide short-term relief from constipation.

See a doctor if you are still constipated after five days of taking sodium picosulfate.

Stimulant laxatives should not be used by children under 12 years of age.

Overuse can be harmful and does not help with weight loss.

Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting regular gentle exercise can all help maintain good bowel function.

Type of medicineStimulant laxative
Used forConstipation in adults and in children aged 12 years and over. Before some surgery or medical examinations
Also calledFor constipation: Dulcolax® Pico Liquid
For medical procedures: CitraFleet®; Picolax®
Available asOral solution, sachets of powder

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.

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)
  • If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Sodium picosulfate side-effects - these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this?
Loose or watery stools (diarrhoea)Stop taking the sodium picosulfate. This can be a result of taking sodium picosulfate unnecessarily or for too long
Tummy cramps or discomfort, feeling dizzyThese should soon pass
Feeling sick (nausea)Stick to simple foods

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.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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