Drug reference
sodium picosulfate
Stimulant laxative; Diphenylmethane derivative · Laxative
Stimulant laxative; Diphenylmethane derivativeLaxativeATC A06AB08
CDSCO approvedATC A06AB08
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Sodium picosulfate is hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria to its active form, acting locally only in the colon to stimulate fluid and electrolyte accumulation and intestinal motility.
Indications
Preparation agent prior to endoscopic procedures
Contraindications
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate
- Bowel perforation
- Toxic megacolon
Side effects
Common
Abdominal painBloatingDiarrhea
Serious
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia) with prolonged use
- Enteropathy (with prolonged use)
Drug interactions
12 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Anticoagulant management for dental procedures
ADA_DENTAL · Dentistry · 2015
Infective endocarditis prevention
NICE · Cardiology / Dentistry · 2008
Infective endocarditis prevention
AHA · Cardiology / Dentistry · 2007
Gastric premalignant conditions
ACG · Gastroenterology · 2025
Heart failure in diabetes
RSSDI · Cardiology · 2023
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Updated: 2026-05-10