Did your doctor tell you to drink a special liquid to cleanse your stomach before you meet with a dermatologist? Or are you preparing for something like a colonoscopy? It's normal to be a little nervous and curious about the medicine you're given at a time like this. "What will happen if I drink this?", "Will it be difficult for me?", etc. You probably have a lot of questions in your mind. So, today we're talking to you to answer all these questions in your mind and to be fully informed about this medicine.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, this is a special solution that is given to completely cleanse your intestines (bowel cleansing). It is given before a test that doctors need to see the inside of your intestines clearly. This solution contains ingredients called Sodium Picosulfate, Magnesium Oxide, and Anhydrous Citric Acid.
This works in a very simple way.
1. Water absorption: This medicine causes your intestines to absorb more water, which makes your stools much softer.
2. Bowel function: Also, this stimulates the muscles in your intestines, speeding up the passage of stool.
Both of these methods will completely clean out your intestines, allowing your doctor to examine them clearly. These belong to a class of drugs called laxatives .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before you use this medicine, you should inform your doctor about any conditions you have, as using this medicine with those conditions can be dangerous.
| Your situation | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | This medicine can affect the kidneys, so it can be dangerous if your kidneys are already weak. |
| Heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Changes in the body's electrolyte levels can affect heart rate. |
| Dehydration or frequent alcohol consumption | This medicine causes a large amount of water to be removed from the body, so it can worsen the condition if you are already dehydrated. |
| Epilepsy or seizures (Seizures) | Electrolyte imbalances can increase the risk of seizures. |
| Other stomach or intestinal problems (e.g., intestinal obstruction) | If such conditions exist, using this medicine may cause complications. |
| Trouble swallowing | If the solution cannot be drunk correctly, there is a risk of it entering the respiratory tract. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Your doctor should determine the safety of the medication in these cases. |
| Allergies to this medicine or anything else | If you have had any previous allergies to any medicine, food, or dye, please let us know. |
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines). Don't hide anything.
How exactly do you use this?
This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor tells you. Read the instructions on the medicine label carefully. This medicine usually comes with a special instruction leaflet (INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE). Read and understand everything in it carefully. If you do not understand something, do not be shy to ask your doctor.
Generally, if you are taking other medications, you may be advised to take this solution 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What happens if you take too much? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may interact with this solution. This means that the effectiveness of those medications may be reduced or the side effects may increase. So tell your doctor about any of these things you are taking.
- Alcohol
- Some antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline)
- Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heartbeat
- Medications for conditions such as depression
- Medicine for seizures
- Diuretics - medicines that remove water from the body
- Iron supplements
- Painkillers (NSAIDS) - e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen
- Other laxatives (Other laxatives )
This list is not complete. Therefore, inform your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and traditional herb you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Diet: Your doctor will advise you to change your diet a few days before your test. Follow those instructions carefully.
- Drink water: This is the most important thing. When taking this medicine, a large amount of water is removed from the body. Therefore, you should drink plenty of clear liquids to prevent dehydration. For example, you can drink things like water, apple juice, Jeevani, and sports drinks. Do not drink things like milk or colored drinks. Ask your doctor exactly when you should stop eating and drinking.
- Dizziness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. Therefore, stand up slowly when standing or sitting. Do not get up suddenly.
- Driving: Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery completely while taking this medication, as your concentration may be impaired. Drinking alcohol may increase these side effects.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action immediately if any serious symptoms occur.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of severe dehydration | Extreme thirst, dry mouth, fainting, and passing little dark yellow or brown urine. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| Severe stomach pain | Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting. |
| Usually nothing to worry about (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache | |
| Dizziness | |
| Nausea | |
| Stomach pain | |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not store it in the fridge or freezer. Do not use expired medicine.
When throwing away unused or expired medications, it is important to dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner. Some pharmacies have programs that accept unwanted medications. Otherwise, check the label or ask your doctor to make sure it is safe to throw in the trash or flush down the toilet. If you are throwing it in the trash, remove the medication from the cup, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage at your own discretion.
- Drink as much water and other clear fluids as possible to avoid dehydration while taking the medication. This is very important.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Avoid driving and hazardous activities on the day of taking this medication, as dizziness and fainting may occur.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as skin rash, difficulty breathing, or severe stomach pain, seek medical advice immediately.
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