Sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid
combination comes as a powder to take by mouth. It is generally
taken as two doses in preparation for a colonoscopy. It is usually
taken as a split-dose regimen with the first dose taken the night
before the colonoscopy and the second dose taken the morning of the
procedure. The medication may also be taken as a day-before regimen
with the first dose taken the late afternoon or early evening
before the colonoscopy and the second dose taken 6 hours later.
Your doctor will tell you exactly when you should take your
medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part
you do not understand. Take sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide,
and anhydrous citric acid combination exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by
your doctor.
To prepare for your colonoscopy, you may not eat any solid food or
drink milk beginning the day before the procedure. You should only
drink clear liquids during this time. Clear liquids are liquids
that can be seen through, such as water, light colored fruit juice
without pulp, clear broth, coffee or tea without milk, flavored
gelatin, popsicles and soft drinks. Do not drink alcoholic
beverages or any liquid that is red or purple. Ask your doctor if
you have any questions about which liquids you may drink before
your colonoscopy.
You will need to mix the medication powder with cold water right
before you take it. If you swallow the powder without mixing it
with water, there is a greater chance that you will experience
unpleasant or dangerous side effects. To prepare each dose of your
medication, fill the dosing cup that was provided with the
medication with cold water up to the lower line (5 ounces, **0 mL)
that is marked on the cup. Pour in the contents of one packet of
sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid
powder and stir for **3 minutes to dissolve the powder. The mixture
may become slightly warm as the powder dissolves. Drink the entire
mixture right away. Mix the medication with water only when you are
ready to take it; do not prepare the mixture in advance.
If you are following the split-dose regimen, you will take your
first dose between 5:***9:*0 p.m. on the night before your
colonoscopy. After you take this dose, you will need to drink five
*- ounce (**0 mL) drinks of clear liquid within the next 5 hours
before you go to bed. You will take your second dose the next
morning, about 5 hours before your colonoscopy is scheduled. After
you take the second dose, you will need to drink three *-ounce
drinks of clear liquid within the next 5 hours, but you should
finish all the drinks at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
If you are following the day-before regimen, you will take your
first dose between 4:***6:*0 p.m. on the evening before your
colonoscopy. After you take this dose, you will need to drink five
*-ounce drinks of clear liquid within 5 hours. You will take your
next dose 6 hours later, between *0:*0 pm**2:*0 a.m. After you take
the second dose, you will need to drink three *-ounce drinks of
clear liquid within 5 hours.
It is very important that you drink the required amounts of clear
liquid during your treatment to replace the fluid that you will
lose as your colon is emptied. You can use the dosing cup provided
with your medication to measure your *-ounce portions of liquid by
filling the cup to the top line. You may find it easier to drink
the full amount of liquid if you choose a variety of different
clear liquid drinks.
You will have many bowel movements during your treatment with
sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid
combination. Be sure to stay close to a toilet from the time you
take your first dose of the medication until the time of your
colonoscopy appointment. Ask your doctor about other things you can
do to stay comfortable during this time.
If you experience severe bloating or stomach pain after you take
the first dose of this medication, wait until these symptoms go
away before you take the second dose.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer\'s patient
information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with
sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid.
Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) website or the manufacturer\'s website
to obtain the Medication Guide.