What is Dulcolax picosulfate and when is it used?

What should be considered?

Drowsiness and/or brief loss of consciousness have been reported with the use of Dulcolax picosulfate. This may be the result of forced defecation or a reaction to constipation-related pain and is not necessarily due to the preparation itself. If you are constipated, you should eat a high-fiber diet (vegetables, fruit, whole grain products), drink a lot and regularly and do regular physical activity.

When should Dulcolax picosulfate not be used?

Dulcolax picosulfate should not be used if there is an existing or imminent intestinal obstruction (ileus), inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity (e.g. appendicitis) or if severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, which could indicate the serious illnesses mentioned above. Dulcolax picosulfate should not be taken if you are severely dehydrated (lack of fluid in your body) or if you are known to be hypersensitive to the active ingredient or any other ingredient in the drug.

The medicine must not be taken in rare hereditary diseases in which an intolerance to an excipient could exist (see «When should caution be taken when taking Dulcolax picosulfate?»).

Dulcolax picosulfate should not be used in children under 4 years of age.

When is caution required when taking Dulcolax picosulfate?

Children and patients with serious illnesses require medical advice.

Without a doctor's prescription, treatment should be occasional and not longer than 1-2 weeks and the recommended daily dose should not be exceeded.

Longer-lasting and/or higher-dose treatment should only be carried out on the doctor's orders.

If you experience abdominal cramps, you should avoid potentially hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery.

Dulcolax picosulfate acts in the large intestine. It is not effective in influencing nutrient absorption and thus calorie intake, since nutrient absorption mainly takes place in the small intestine.

If you take antibiotics at the same time, the effect of Dulcolax picosulfate may decrease.

Sorbitol (E 420)

1 ml (= 15 drops) Dulcolax Picosulfat drops contains 0.45 g sorbitol. At the maximum recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years of age, this corresponds to 0.6 g of sorbitol per day.

Sorbitol is a source of fructose. Talk to your doctor before you (or your child) take or receive this medicine, if your doctor has told you that you (or your child) have an intolerance to some sugars, or if you have hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) – a rare congenital condition in which a person is unable to break down fructose – has been identified.

Patients with a rare hereditary fructose intolerance should not take Dulcolax picosulfate drops.

Sodium

1 ml (= 15 drops) Dulcolax picosulfate contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg), i. it is almost «sodium-free».

Sodium benzoate (E 211)

1 ml Dulcolax picosulfate contains 2 mg sodium benzoate.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you suffer from other illnesses, have allergies or are taking other medicines (even those you bought yourself!) or using them externally!

Can Dulcolax picosulfate be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

As a precautionary measure, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding if possible.

Only your doctor can decide whether Dulcolax picosulfate can be used during pregnancy.

Dulcolax picosulfate can be used while breastfeeding.

How do you use Dulcolax picosulfate?

Unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor:

Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age: 10-20 drops per day, preferably in the evening.

Children 4-12 years old: only on the doctor's recommendation: 5-10 drops per day, preferably in the evening.

Children under 4 years of age

The use and safety of Dulcolax picosulfate in children under 4 years of age has not yet been tested. Dulcolax picosulfate must therefore not be used in children under 4 years of age.

Dulcolax picosulfate usually takes effect after 6 to 12 hours. If Dulcolax picosulfate is taken in the evening before going to bed, the bowels will be emptied the next morning.

Diarrhea is a sign of too high a dosage, which should be reduced in this case.

The drops can be taken with or without liquid.

General recommendation

It is recommended to start with the lowest dose. In order to achieve regular bowel movements, the dose can be increased drop by drop up to the maximum recommended dose. The maximum daily dose must not be exceeded.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Dulcolax picosulfate have?

The following side effects can occur when taking Dulcolax picosulfate:

After taking Dulcolax picosulfate, diarrhea or frequent unpleasant sensations such as bloating and abdominal pain can occur very frequently. Occasionally nausea, vomiting or dizziness may also occur. In isolated cases, a circulatory collapse can occur. There have been isolated reports of hypersensitivity reactions including angioneurotic edema (rapid swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, e.g. lips or eyelids) and skin reactions such as drug rash, rash and itching. Long-term, high-dose use can cause unwanted diarrhea and loss of potassium and other salts. Possible consequences are cardiac dysfunction and muscle weakness, especially if diuretics, hormones from the adrenal cortex or heart medication (digitalis) are taken at the same time.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist. This also applies in particular to side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

What else needs to be considered?

Shelf life

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked on the container with « EXP» can be used.

Use by after opening

Once opened, the medicinal product has a shelf life of 12 months.

Storage Instructions

Store at room temperature (15‑25 °C) and keep out of the reach of children.

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What does Dulcolax Picosulfate contain?

Active ingredients

Ingestible drops, solution:

1 ml Dulcolax picosulfate (= 15 drops) contains 7.5 mg of the active ingredient sodium picosulfate monohydrate, equivalent to 7.2 mg sodium picosulfate.

Excipients

Sorbitol solution 70% (non-crystallizing) (E420), sodium benzoate (E211), sodium citrate dihydrate, citric acid monohydrate, purified water.

Approval number

57507 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get Dulcolax picosulfate? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores without a doctor's prescription: oral drops, solution 15 ml.

Authorization holder

Opella Healthcare Switzerland AG, Risch

This leaflet was last checked by the drug authority (Swissmedic) in April 2022.