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Sodium picosulfate


Sodium picosulfate
Systematic (IUPAC) name
disodium 2-[bis(4-sulfonatooxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine
Identifiers
CAS number	10040-45-6
ATC code	A06AB08 A06AB58
PubChem	68654
Chemical data
Formula	C₁₈H₁₃N Na₂O₈S₂
Mol. mass	481.409 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	Oral

Sodium picosulfate (INN, also known as sodium picosulphate) is a contact laxative used as a treatment for constipation or to prepare the large bowel before colonoscopy or surgery. It is sold under the trade names Dulcolax, Laxoberal, Picolax, Guttalax and several others.

Additional recommended knowledge

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Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

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Side effects

The most common side effects of picosulfate are abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

The use of sodium picosulfate has also been associated with certain electrolyte disturbances, such as hyponatremia and hypokalemia.^[1]

References

^ ADRAC (February 2002). "Electrolyte disturbances with sodium picosulfate bowel cleansing products". Aust Adv Drug React Bull 21 (1). Free full text from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration

v • d • e Laxatives (A06)
Softeners, emollients	Paraffin - Docusate sodium
Contact laxatives	Oxyphenisatine - Bisacodyl - Dantron - Phenolphthalein - Castor oil - Senna glycosides - Cascara - Sodium picosulfate - Bisoxatin
Bulk producers	Ispaghula - Ethulose - Sterculia - Linseed - Methylcellulose - Triticum - Polycarbophil calcium
Osmotically acting laxatives	Magnesium carbonate - Magnesium oxide - Magnesium peroxide - Magnesium sulfate - Lactulose - Lactitol - Sodium sulfate - Pentaerithrityl - Macrogol - Mannitol - Sodium phosphate - Sorbitol - Magnesium citrate - Sodium tartrate
Enemas	Sodium phosphate - Bisacodyl - Dantron - Glycerol - Oil - Sorbitol