picosulfuric acid

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

As a laxative, picosulfuric acid works by irritating the intestines and inducing contractions in the muscles that push stool through the digestive tract. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Adverse reaction 

None 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Contraindication:  

Hypersenstivity:
People allergic to picosulfuric acid or its components shouldn’t use it. 

Caution:  

Dehydration.  

Gastrointestinal obstruction.  

Appendicitis.  

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: N/A  

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown   

Pregnancy Categories:          

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.  

Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.   

Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.  

Category D: Adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.  

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.  

Pharmacology

Pharmacology   

Bacterial enzymes convert picosulfuric acid to BHPM. BHPM targets the colon’s mucosa locally. 

Pharmacodynamics  

BHPM stimulates intestinal mucosa, boosting water and electrolyte secretion into the gut. This softens stool, easing passage. 

Pharmacokinetics  

Limited information available on ADME.  

Adminstartion

Administration  

The route of administration is oral. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet  

Generic Name: picosulfuric acid  

Why do we use picosulfuric acid?  

Picosulfuric acid eases constipation by stimulating bowel movements.  It’s also used to prep the colon for procedures like colonoscopy.