sodium picosulfate

Sodium picosulfate is a small molecule stimulant laxative prodrug used primarily for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy or surgery, and for the treatment of constipation. Upon oral administration, it is hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria into its active metabolite, bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane (BHPM). BHPM acts locally in the large intestine to stimulate the enteric nervous system and colonic mucosa, leading to increased peristalsis and the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen. In clinical research conducted by Ahmed M Maged, MD at Cairo University, sodium picosulfate (administered as Picolax drops) is being studied in a Phase 4 trial to evaluate its efficacy in accelerating the recovery of bowel function and preventing postoperative ileus in patients following elective cesarean section.

Brand names

PicolaxDulcolax PicoLaxoberalGuttalax

Other names

sodium picosulphatepicolax drops