Picolax Powder for Oral Solution Sachets 2 Pack

3. How to take Picolax:
Always take Picolax exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are not sure. Picolax powder should be dissolved in a cup of cold water (approximately 150ml). Stir for 2-3 minutes and then drink the solution. Sometimes the solution becomes warm as Picolax dissolves. If this happens, wait until it cools sufficiently before drinking it.
Adults (including elderly) and children 9 years and over:
The recommended dose is one sachet taken 10 to 18 hours before your procedure and one sachet taken 4 to 6 hours before your procedure. The first sachet taken, should be followed by at least five 250 ml drinks of clear liquids (not only water) spread over several hours and the second sachet taken, should be followed by at least three 250 ml drinks of clear liquids (not only water) spread over several hours. You may drink clear liquids (not only water) until 2 hours before your procedure. Do not drink only water.
Children (under 9 years):
For the timing of dosing in children, refer to the instructions given for adults
A measuring spoon is provided with the product.
From 1 and below 2 years: first dose is 1 spoonful, second dose is 1 spoonful
From 2 and below 4 years: first dose is 2 spoonfuls, second dose is 2 spoonfuls
From 4 and below 9 years: first dose is 1 sachet (taken as described under ‘adults’), second dose is 2 spoonfuls

9 years and above: adult dose.

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.915.pdf

1. What Picolax is and what it is used for:
Picolax is a powder that contains sodium picosulfate, a laxative that works by increasing the activity of the intestine.
Picolax also contains magnesium citrate, another type of laxative that works by holding back fluid in the bowel to provide a wash-out effect.
Picolax is used in adults, adolescents and children from the age of 1 year to clear the bowel before an x-ray examination, endoscopy or surgery when judged clinical necessary.
2. 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
• 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 diseasesuch as Crohn’s disease or ulcerativecolitis
• 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

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 dayprocedure, 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’.