Picoprep

What is this medication for?

Picoprep powder  is used to increase bowel movement and empty your colon before colonoscopy (a procedure to view your large intestines which includes your anus, rectum and colon). This is known as bowel preparation. Picoprep powder contains three ingredients: sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and citric acid.

Sodium picosulfate acts on the lining in your intestine to increase bowel movement. Magnesium oxide and citric acid come together to form magnesium citrate which is a laxative.  This results in watery stools or increased bowel motions which removes the bowel contents and ensures the bowel is clean before the procedure. 

This medication may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How should I take or use this medication?

Do not prepare the medication in advance. Prepare the medication right before the scheduled timing given. 

Mix the contents of one sachet in 150ml of water. Stir for 2-3 minutes. The solution should now become an off-white, cloudy liquid with a faint orange smell. If the solution becomes warm, wait until it cools sufficiently before drinking. You may refer to the image below for more details.   

To avoid dehydration, follow the instructions for liquid intake provided by your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you take the medication at the incorrect timing or day, please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding: 
• You have kidney or heart disease, severe dehydration, gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the stomach or bowels)
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Headache

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Medicines that bind with magnesium should be taken at least 2 hours before and at least 6 hours after taking PICOPREP®. This includes: 

• Tetracycline
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
• Iron
• Digoxin
• Chlorpromazine
• Penicillamine

All other oral medications should be taken at least 1 hour before taking picoprep to ensure that they are absorbed and not cleared out during the bowel preparation. 

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.