Picoprep Special Precautions

Because a clinically relevant benefit of bowel cleansing prior to elective, open colorectal surgery could not be proven, bowel cleansers should only be administered before bowel surgery if clearly needed. The risks of the treatment should be carefully weighed against possible benefits and needs depending on surgical procedures performed.
Recent gastro-intestinal surgery. Care should also be taken in patients with renal impairment, heart disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
Use with caution in patients on drugs that might affect water and/or electrolyte balance e.g. diuretics, corticosteroids, lithium.
Sodium picosulfate + Magnesium oxide + Citric acid (PICOPREP) may modify the absorption of regularly prescribed oral medication and should be used with caution e.g. there have been isolated reports of seizures in patients on antiepileptics, with previously controlled epilepsy.
An inadequate oral intake of water and electrolytes could create clinically significant, deficiencies, particularly in less fit patients. In this regard children, the elderly, debilitated individuals and patients at risk of hypokalaemia may need particular attention. Prompt corrective action should be taken to restore fluid/electrolyte balance in patients with signs or symptoms of hypokalemia. Hyponatraemia. Drinking only water to replace the fluid losses may lead to electrolyte imbalance.
The period of bowel cleansing should not exceed 24 hours because longer preparation may increase the risk of water and electrolyte imbalance.
This medicine contains 5 mmol (or 195 mg) potassium per sachet. This should be taken into consideration by patients with reduced kidney function or patients on a controlled potassium diet.
This medicine contains lactose as a component of the flavour. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Sodium picosulfate + Magnesium oxide + Citric acid (PICOPREP) should not be used as a routine laxative.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Not applicable.