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Citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate

Generic name: citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate [ SIT-rik-AS-id, mag-NEE-zee-um-OX-ide, and-SOE-dee-um-PEE-koe-SUL-fate ]
Brand names: Prepopik, Clenpiq
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 28, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate?

Citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate is a combination medicine that causes diarrhea for the purpose of cleaning your colon before a colonoscopy. Cleaning the colon allows the inside of your colon to be seen more clearly on the colonoscopy.

citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate is for use in adults and children at least 9 years old.

Citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

Common side effects of citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, kidney failure, or abnormal heartbeats that can cause death.

The risk of dehydration is highest in people with heart problems or kidney disease, or if you take certain other medicines. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to citric acid, magnesium oxide, or sodium picosulfate, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

It is especially important to follow all instructions about what to eat or drink in the days before your colon prep.

You must dilute the powder form of citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate with 5 ounces of cold water before taking it.

The oral solution (liquid) may be taken without adding water.

Do not eat solid food once you start taking this medicine. Stop drinking all fluids at least 2 hours before the colonoscopy.

You will need to drink extra water once you start your colon prep. Drink only clear liquids and avoid alcohol, milk, or any drink that is red or purple.

This medicine can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, kidney failure, or abnormal heartbeats that can cause death.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

MiraLAX, bisacodyl, erythromycin, senna, Dulcolax, polyethylene glycol 3350

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you cannot drink the entire amount of medicine and liquids as instructed in time for your colonoscopy.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause severe dehydration (severe headache or dizziness, vomiting, being unable to urinate). An overdose is unlikely to occur if you take citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate exactly as directed.

What should I avoid while taking citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate?

Do not take other laxatives during your colon prep.

What other drugs will affect citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate?

citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth within 1 hour before your colon prep.

If you take any of the following medicines, take them at least 2 hours before or not less than 6 hours after you take citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate:

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect citric acid, magnesium oxide, and sodium picosulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does citric acid/magnesium oxide/sodium picosulfate interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.