The Basics
What is Sodium Picosulfate?
Stimulant laxative used as a treatment for constipation or to prepare the large bowel before colonoscopy or surgery
Brand names for Sodium Picosulfate
Sodipic Picofast, Laxoberal, Laxoberon, Purg-Odan, Picolax, Guttalax, Namilax, Pico-Salax, Picoprep, And Prepopik
How Sodium Picosulfate is classified
Cathartics, Gastrointestinal Agents
Sodium Picosulfate During Pregnancy
Sodium Picosulfate pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Sodium Picosulfate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Sodium Picosulfate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Sodium Picosulfate?
Sodium picosulfate is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and its active metabolite, which is absorbed, is not detectable in breastmilk. Sodium picosulfate can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Sodium picosulfate is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and its active metabolite, which is absorbed, is not detectable in breastmilk. Sodium picosulfate can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Sodium Picosulfate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Sodium Picosulfate
Bisacodyl, Docusate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Psyllium, Sodium Phosphate.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Friedrich C, Richter E, Trommeshauser D et al. Lack of excretion of the active moiety of bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate into human breast milk: an open-label, parallel group, multiple dose study in healthy lactating women. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2011;26:458-64. PMID: 21697613
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
