sodium picosulfate + magnesium salts

Sodium picosulfate + magnesium salts (often formulated as sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid) is a low-volume, dual-mechanism bowel cleansing preparation. It is widely used to clear the colon in preparation for colonoscopy, endoscopy, or bowel surgery. The combination functions through two distinct mechanisms: sodium picosulfate is a prodrug that is metabolized by colonic bacteria into the active stimulant laxative 4,4'-dihydroxy-diphenyl-[2-pyridyl]methane (BHPM), which promotes colonic peristalsis; meanwhile, magnesium oxide and citric acid react in water to form magnesium citrate, an osmotic laxative that retains water in the gastrointestinal tract. Together, these components produce a powerful purgative effect with high patient compliance due to the low volume required. It is marketed under various brand names, including PICOLAX, PICOPREP, PREPOPIK, and CLENPIQ, and was developed by companies such as Norgine and Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Brand names

PICOLAXPICOPREPPREPOPIKCLENPIQPico-SalaxCitraFleetPicolight

Other names

sodium picosulfate + magnesium oxide + citric acidsodium picosulfate + magnesium citratesodium picosulfate/magnesium citratesodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acidsodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acidSP+MSPSMCPMC