Sodium picosulfate

Picosulfate drops act within 6 to 12 hours, so they are taken in the evening and the stool comes in the morning. The AEMPS ficha técnica gives the dose for adults and children over 12 years as 8 to 12 drops, that is 4 to 6 mg, once a day; children aged 6 to 12 get 2 to 8 drops and under 6 years only at a doctor's decision. Starting low and adjusting by result is sensible. A stimulant laxative is not meant for daily long-term use: the ficha asks directly for the cause of constipation to be established before continuing. Fibre, water and movement remain the first step regardless. For older people the ficha advises caution: with long use weakness, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension and impaired coordination build up.

ICD-10: K59.0

In chronic constipation stimulant laxatives do help, but their role is supporting. The AEMPS ficha técnica states the limit directly: picosulfate is not taken daily and long-term without establishing the cause of constipation. The causes are many – from drugs, hypothyroidism and diabetes to irritable bowel syndrome and, less often, colon cancer. The ficha names an alarm sign separately: a sudden change in bowel habit lasting beyond two weeks is a contraindication to self-treatment. The standard sequence looks different: fibre and water first, then osmotic agents such as macrogol, with a stimulant laxative for short episodes or on prescription. If picosulfate was prescribed as a permanent daily remedy without investigation, consider seeking a second opinion.

ICD-10: K59.0 · ICD-11: ME05.0