Each drug has a specific active ingredient in its composition. Some preparations contain several of these components. In this case, the manufacturer can give any brand name to the medicine, but the principle of its operation will be unchanged. The active medicinal substances include sodium picosulfate. The price of medicines based on it and their trade names will be presented to your attention in the article. You will also learn about the features of the use of this medicine.
Characterization of the active substance
What is sodium picosulfate? This is an active ingredient in some laxatives. It stimulates the nerve receptors of the intestine, enhances its peristalsis, softens the stool and facilitates the act of defecation. The main substance is formed by hydrolysis under the action of beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the human intestines. The drug helps to reduce the absorption of electrolytes, as well as water from the digestive tract.
Sodium picosulfate is not absorbed into the systemic circulation, the component is not involved in the hepatic-intestinal circulation. The effect of the drug occurs in about 6-12 hours. Sodium picosulfate-based drugs are not fast-acting laxatives, but they are safe medicines.
Sodium picosulfate: preparations
What trade names does this active substance have? Drugs are available in various forms. It can be drops, suspensions, tablets or bars. In the pharmacy you can purchase the following medicines:
- "Guttalax" (250-350 rubles).
- Laksigal (200 rubles).
- "Guttasil" (150-250 rubles).
- "Regulax" (300 rubles).
- "Weak" (150 rubles) and so on.
The composition of medicines may include additional active ingredients. It is necessary to pay attention to this.
Indications for use, contraindications
Sodium picosulfate is used to treat constipation of a different nature and origin. The instructions indicate the following indications for use:
- weakened intestinal motility;
- primary and secondary constipation;
- the impossibility of bowel movement after surgery;
- climate change and diet;
- anal fissures and hemorrhoids;
- preparation for surgery or rectal diagnosis.
It is contraindicated to use medicines in the following pathologies and conditions:
- hypersensitivity to components;
- uterine bleeding;
- bowel obstruction;
- cystitis;
- acute abdominal pain;
- appendicitis.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, these drugs are not used. For longer periods, medications can only be used as prescribed by the doctor and in assessing all risks to the fetus.
Sodium picosulfate: instructions, dosage, schedule of use
Drugs are used before bedtime. In this case, the desired effect will be obtained immediately after waking up. The medicine is taken orally in the amount of 10 drops for adults and 5-8 for children from 4 years. If a medication is selected in the form of tablets, then sodium picosulfate is used in 2 lozenges for adults and 0.5-1 for children. Please note that the medicine is prescribed for babies up to 4 years old only by a specialist according to the relevant indications.
Before using the drug, you need to study the annotation. It describes in detail the reception schedule and the duration of use of a particular tool. Depending on the reaction to the initial dose, the volume of the drug should be adjusted, choosing the most suitable option for yourself.
When consuming large portions of the drug, diarrhea can develop, accompanied by paroxysmal abdominal pain. A prolonged overdose causes chronic ischemia of the mucous membrane of the large intestine, urolithiasis, and a violation of the water-electrolyte balance. With such consequences, the medication should be discontinued and rehabilitation therapy should be carried out: rinse the stomach, use sorbents and, if necessary, take antidiarrheal drugs.
Additional Information
About the substance sodium picosulfate, consumer reviews are mostly positive. Patients say that with the help of the described drugs they were able to restore normal bowel function. Particular attention is paid to the fact that medications are not addictive. But the instruction does not recommend using the formulations on their own for more than 10 days. If constipation returns again after drug withdrawal, then you should consult a doctor to find the cause of the ailment.
When using the sodium picosulfate substance, it is recommended that you use a sufficient amount of liquid and follow a diet. The medicine does not combine well with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Such drugs can reduce the effectiveness of a laxative. Diuretics, in contrast, increase the likelihood of adverse reactions, in particular disturbances in the water-electrolyte balance. Have a good health!