Sodium picosulfate

About sodium picosulfate

Constipação 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.

No entanto, muitas pessoas tomam laxantes quando não precisam, porque acreditam que estão constipadas a menos que vão ao banheiro todos os dias. Não é o caso. Uma definição útil de constipação é ir ao banheiro com menos frequência do que o normal para você e evacuar fezes duras (fezes) quando for ao banheiro.

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.

Before taking sodium picosulfate

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 você está grávida, tentando ter um bebê ou amamentando. Isso porque, enquanto você está esperando ou alimentando um bebê, deve tomar medicamentos apenas sob recomendação de um médico.

• 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 você tiver dor intensa na barriga (abdômen) e se sentir enjoado (náusea).

• 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 você estiver tomando outros medicamentos. Isso inclui quaisquer medicamentos que você esteja tomando e que estejam disponíveis para compra sem receita médica, bem como medicamentos fitoterápicos e complementares.

• Se você já teve uma reação alérgica a um medicamento.
  

How to take sodium picosulfate

• 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.

Obtendo o máximo do seu tratamento

• 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 Constipação (for adults) and Constipação em Crianças.

Can sodium picosulfate cause problems?

Juntamente com seus efeitos benéficos, a maioria dos medicamentos pode causar efeitos colaterais indesejados, embora nem todos os experimentem. Estes geralmente melhoram à medida que seu corpo se ajusta ao novo medicamento, mas fale com seu médico ou farmacêutico se algum dos seguintes efeitos colaterais persistir ou se tornar problemático.

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 você sentir quaisquer outros sintomas que acha que podem ser devido a este medicamento, fale com seu médico ou farmacêutico.

How to store sodium picosulfate

• Mantenha todos os medicamentos fora do alcance e da vista das crianças.

• Armazene em local fresco e seco, longe de calor e luz diretos.

Informações importantes sobre todos os medicamentos