compound sodium picosulfate + lactulose

Compound sodium picosulfate + lactulose is a combination bowel preparation regimen investigated by Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University for optimizing colonoscopy preparation in high-risk populations. The regimen consists of compound sodium picosulfate—a mixture of the stimulant laxative sodium picosulfate and the osmotic agent magnesium citrate (formed from magnesium oxide and citric acid)—and lactulose, a synthetic disaccharide osmotic laxative. Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug that is converted by colonic bacteria into its active metabolite, bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane (BHPM), which acts directly on the colonic mucosa to increase peristalsis. Magnesium citrate and lactulose work synergistically to draw water into the intestinal lumen, increasing stool volume and softening consistency to ensure effective bowel cleansing. This specific combination is being studied to improve preparation quality in patients at high risk for inadequate cleansing, such as those with chronic constipation.

Other names

sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate + lactulosePicolax + lactulosePrepopik + lactulosePicoprep + lactulose