Sodium picosulfate for constipation

Name of medicine

Sodium picosulfate (also called sodium picosulphate)

Common brands: Dulcolax Pico Perles, Dulcolax Pico Liquid (the brand name Dulcolax is also used for bisacodyl tablets and suppositories)

Why is it important for my child to take Sodium picosulfate?

Your doctor will give you a medicine called an osmotic laxative (e.g. lactulose, polyethylene glycol [Laxidol, Movicol]) to give to your child first. This will soften the stool (poo). Sodium picosulfate will then help your child to pass the stool (do a poo).

Sodium picosulfate will then help your child to pass the stool (do a poo).

What is Sodium picosulfate available as?

• Capsules: 2.5 mg
• Liquid medicine: 5 mg in 5 mL

When should I give Sodium picosulfate

Sodium picosulfate is usually given once each day. This is usually at bedtime.

Give the medicine at about the same time(s) each day so that this becomes part of your child’s daily routine, which will help you to remember.

How much should I give?

Your doctor will work out the amount of Sodium picosulfate (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label.

How should I give Sodium picosulfate?

Capsules

• Capsules should be swallowed with a glass of water, squash or juice. Your child should not chew the capsule.

Liquid medicine

• Shake the medicine well.
• Measure out the right amount using an oral syringe or a medicine spoon. You can get these from your pharmacist. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.

When should the medicine start working?

Your child should do a poo 6–12 hours after taking sodium picosulfate, although it may take longer than this to work. 

What if my child is sick (vomits)?

• If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of Sodium picosulfate, give them the same dose again.
• If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of Sodium picosulfate, do not give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.

If your child is sick again, seek advice from your family doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or hospital. They will decide what to do based on your child’s condition and the specific medicine involved.

What if I forget to give it?

If you miss a dose, wait until the next normal dose. Do not give the missed dose.

What if I give too much?

Too much sodium picosulfate can cause stomach pain (cramps), diarrhoea (runny poo), and may lead to dehydration if too much stools (poo) are passed.

If you think you may have given your child too much sodium picosulfate, contact your doctor or local NHS services (details at end of leaflet) or take your child to hospital.

Take the medicine container or packaging with you, even if it is empty. This will be useful to the doctor. Have the medicine or packaging with you if you telephone for advice

Are there any possible side effects?

We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side effects).

Side effects you must do something about

Other side-effects you need to know about

• Your child may have an upset tummy (stomach ache).

There may sometimes be other side effects that are not listed above. If you notice anything unusual and are concerned, contact your doctor. You can report any suspected side effects to a UK safety scheme at mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

Can other medicines be given at the same time as Sodium picosulfate?

• You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal and complementary medicines.

Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?

• This medicine is used as part of a treatment plan for your child’s constipation. It is important that your child has plenty to drink, and fibre in their diet (by eating fruit and vegetables, and wholemeal bread and pasta).

General advice about medicines

• Try to give medicines at about the same times each day, to help you remember.

• Only give this medicine to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm.

• If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor for advice.

• Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Order a new prescription at least 2 weeks before you will run out.

• Make sure that the medicines you have at home have not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.

Where should I keep this medicine?

• Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight.

• It does not need to be kept in the fridge.

• Keep the medicine in the container it came in.

• Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.

Who to contact for more information?

Your child’s doctor, pharmacist or nurse will be able to give you more information about Sodium picosulfate and about other ways to treat constipation.

Copyright disclaimer

Version [2]. © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild, all rights reserved. Review by February 2017.

The primary source for the information in this leaflet is the British National Formulary for Children. For details on any other sources used for this leaflet, please contact us through our website, www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk.

We take great care to make sure that the information in this leaflet is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is important that you ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about something. This leaflet is about the use of these medicines in the UK, and may not apply to other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this leaflet.