Sodium picosulfate

About sodium picosulfate

Costipazione can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation.

Tuttavia, molte persone assumono lassativi quando non ne hanno bisogno perché credono di essere stitiche a meno che non vadano in bagno ogni giorno. Non è così. Una definizione utile di stitichezza è andare in bagno meno frequentemente di quanto sia normale per te e avere feci dure quando ci vai.

Sodium picosulfate works by encouraging the muscles in your bowel to move waste products through your body. This helps you to go to the toilet. It usually has an effect within 6-12 hours. Sodium picosulfate preparations are available to buy without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Preparations containing sodium picosulfate (in combination with another laxative called magnesium citrate) are sometimes used to clear the bowel before some medical examinations. When it is used like this, you will be provided with sachets of powder by your hospital or clinic. You will also be given full instructions for how to use them.

The rest of the information in this leaflet is about sodium picosulfate when it is used for constipation.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using sodium picosulfate if any of the following apply to you:

• Se sei incinta, stai cercando di avere un bambino o stai allattando. Questo perché, mentre sei in attesa o stai allattando un bambino, dovresti assumere farmaci solo su raccomandazione di un medico.

• If it is for a child. This is because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• Se hai un forte dolore alla pancia (addome) e ti senti male (nausea).

• If you have recently had any bowel or abdominal surgery, or if you have been told you have an inflammatory bowel condition.

• If you are lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated) or taking 'water' tablets (diuretics)

• Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione medica, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.
  

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about sodium picosulfate and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• The dose for adults is 5-10 ml of liquid. Sodium picosulfate takes about 6-12 hours to work; therefore, it is best taken at bedtime.

• If sodium picosulfate has been prescribed for your child, follow carefully the instructions you are given, as your doctor will adjust the dose according to your child's age and needs.

• Sodium picosulfate should only be used for a short time. This is because your bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on its own. If you are still constipated after taking it for five days, you should speak with your doctor.

• A healthy diet containing fibre (wholegrain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with six to eight full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate leaflets called Costipazione (for adults) and Costipazione nei Bambini.

Oltre ai loro effetti benefici, la maggior parte dei farmaci può causare effetti collaterali indesiderati, anche se non tutti li sperimentano. Questi di solito migliorano man mano che il tuo corpo si adatta al nuovo farmaco, ma parla con il tuo medico o farmacista se uno dei seguenti effetti collaterali persiste o diventa fastidioso.

Importante: do not use sodium picosulfate for more than five days without speaking to your doctor or a pharmacist. Overuse of stimulant laxatives is harmful; it leads to loss of fluids and can make you dehydrated. It can also prevent your intestines from working properly. Signs you are dehydrated include feeling thirsty, dark urine, shaky or weak muscles, blurred vision and fainting.

Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere dovuti a questo medicinale, parla con il tuo medico o farmacista.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.