osudhkosh

Generic

Sodium picosulfate

60 brands available in the market

At a glance

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It stops bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis. It is available in Bangladesh as tablets/capsules. It is most effective for respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections.

Description

Sodium picosulfate is a medicine used to treat constipation. It is a laxative and helps you empty your bowels. It works by increasing movement in the intestine and provides relief from constipation. Sodium picosulfate should be taken in a dose as advised by your doctor and take it at a fixed time at night. You should not use this medicine for more than a few days unless your doctor tells you to. Some lifestyle changes can help with constipation, for example eating more fibre in foods such as fruit, vegetables and cereals, drinking plenty of fluids and taking regular exercise. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are headache, nausea and vomiting. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days. If they persist, your doctor may suggest ways of preventing or reducing them. Before using this medicine you should tell your doctor if you have a blockage in your bowel, upset stomach or your bowel movements have been different for more than two weeks. Sodium picosulfate is a laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, thereby facilitating the passage of stool.

Indications

Bacterial infections (Respiratory tract infections, Skin infections, Soft tissue infections, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Acne, Rheumatic fever, Bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis)

Therapeutic class

Macrolide Antibiotics

Pharmacological class

Protein Synthesis Inhibitor (50S ribosomal subunit)

Pharmacology

Erythromycin binds irreversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, blocking transpeptidation. This prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required for bacterial growth and survival.

Mechanism of action

Sodium picosulfate is a locally acting laxative which has a dual action of stimulating the mucosa of both the large intestine causing colonic peristalsis and of the rectum causing increased motility and a feeling of rectal fullness.

Dosage

Adult Dose: Oral Constipation Adult: 5-10 mg as a single dose, usually at bedtime. Bowel evacuation before investigational procedures Adult: 10 mg, w/ Mg citrate, given in the morning and again in the afternoon of the day before examination. Child Dose: Oral Constipation Child: 1 mth to 10 yr 5-10 mg. Doses are usually given at night. Bowel evacuation before investigational procedures Child: 1 mth to 10 yr 5-10 mg. Doses are usually given at night.

Administration

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Sodium picosulfate may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Sodium picosulfate, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

Side effects

Common: • Vomiting • Headache • Nausea

Precautions & warnings

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether Sodium picosulfate alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Together with Sodium picosulfate, taking a fiber-rich diet containing whole grain bread and cereals, bran, fruits and green leafy vegetables, is essential to maintain healthy bowel function. Avoid taking a Sodium picosulfate for more than 1 week, unless prescribed by the doctor, as it leads to dependency on the laxative action to produce a bowel movement. Take Sodium picosulfate after 2 hours from other medicines, as it may interfere with the absorption of other medicines. Sodium picosulfate should be preferably taken at bedtime because it requires 6 to 8 hours to show impact.

Contraindications

Acute inflammatory bowel diseases, severe dehydration, ileus or intestinal obstruction, severe painful and/or feverish acute abdominal conditions (e.g. appendicitis) potentially associated w/ nausea and vomiting.

Drug interactions

Increased risk of electrolyte imbalance w/ diuretics or adreno-corticosteroids. Increased sensitivity to cardiac glycosides resulting from electrolyte imbalance. Reduced laxative action w/ antibiotics.

Food interactions

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Sodium picosulfate.

Use in pregnancy

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Sodium picosulfate is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

Use in lactation

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Sodium picosulfate is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Pediatric use

Safe in children; dosage is 50mg/kg/day based on body weight.

Geriatric use

Use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed for kidney/liver function changes.

Renal / hepatic impairment

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Sodium picosulfate in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor. [CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Sodium picosulfate in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Overdose effects

May cause severe nausea, vomiting, and hearing loss. Seek medical help immediately.

Storage conditions

Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Molecular Formula: C37H67NO13

Common questions

Question 1: Should Erythromycin be taken on an empty stomach or with food?
Erythromycin is best taken on an empty stomach. It absorbs most effectively when taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Taking it with food may reduce its absorption and effectiveness.
Question 2: Can I stop taking Erythromycin midway if I feel better?
No, absolutely not. You must complete the entire course as prescribed by your doctor. Even if you feel better within 2-3 days, stopping early may cause the infection to return with stronger resistance, making it much harder to treat later.
Question 3: What should I do if I experience stomach pain or diarrhea after taking Erythromycin?
Nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea are very common side effects of Erythromycin. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own after the treatment is complete. However, if diarrhea becomes severe, if you notice blood in your stool, or if side effects persist for a long time, consult your doctor immediately.
Question 4: Can I take antacids (acid-reducing medicines) while taking Erythromycin?
No. You must maintain a gap of at least 2 hours before or after taking Erythromycin to take antacids. Antacids interfere with the absorption of Erythromycin, which reduces its effectiveness and may prevent complete recovery from the infection.
Question 5: Is Erythromycin safe during pregnancy?
It can be used during pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. Animal studies have shown no harmful effects on the fetus, but human studies are limited. Therefore, you must take it strictly under medical supervision and only when clearly needed.
Question 6: Does Erythromycin pass into breast milk and affect the baby?
Erythromycin passes into breast milk in very small amounts, which is generally not harmful to the baby. However, if you notice diarrhea or skin rash in the baby, consult your doctor. The doctor may consider changing the medicine if necessary.
Question 7: Can I take Erythromycin if I have liver problems?
Patients with liver disease should use Erythromycin with caution. This medicine may cause hearing loss in patients with liver issues. Therefore, inform your doctor beforehand so that he/she can adjust the dose or prescribe an alternative medicine.
Question 8: Can I drink alcohol while taking Erythromycin?
No, it is unsafe to consume alcohol while taking Erythromycin. Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine and put extra strain on your liver. It is best to avoid alcohol completely during the course of treatment.
Question 9: How is the dose of Erythromycin determined for children?
The dose of Erythromycin for children is usually based on body weight. It is calculated as 50 mg/kg/day, divided into 4 doses per day. However, you must consult a pediatrician for the exact dosage and timing.
Question 10: What should I do if I forget to take a dose of Erythromycin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose at once, as this may increase the risk of side effects and harm your body.
Question 11: Can Erythromycin cause diarrhea?
Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect of Erythromycin. It occurs due to changes in the normal bacterial balance in the intestine. It usually resolves after completing the treatment. However, if diarrhea becomes severe or you experience dehydration, consult your doctor.
Question 12: What foods should I avoid while taking Erythromycin?
While taking Erythromycin, avoid dairy products or calcium-rich foods within 2 hours of taking the medicine, as calcium may interfere with its absorption. Also, it is better to avoid alcohol and excessively fatty foods during the treatment.
Question 13: Is Erythromycin safe for patients with kidney disease?
Yes, Erythromycin is generally safe for kidney patients and no dose adjustment is required. However, in patients with severe kidney disease, this medicine may affect hearing, so inform your doctor before taking it.
Question 14: Does Erythromycin cause drowsiness?
Erythromycin does not usually cause drowsiness. However, some people may feel dizziness or weakness. If you experience such symptoms, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Question 15: Does Erythromycin work for viral infections?
No, Erythromycin is an antibiotic that works only against bacterial infections. It has no effect on viral infections like cold, flu, or coronavirus. Taking antibiotics for viral infections does more harm than good.
Question 16: Can I take vaccines while on Erythromycin?
Generally, antibiotics do not interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines. However, inform your doctor that you are taking Erythromycin before getting vaccinated. The doctor may adjust the timing if needed.
Question 17: Can I take expired Erythromycin?
No, you must never take expired Erythromycin. It loses its potency and may cause harmful reactions in the body. Dispose of expired medicine properly and get a fresh supply.
Question 18: Can Erythromycin cause allergies?
Yes, some people may have allergies to Erythromycin. Symptoms of allergy include skin rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these, stop the medicine immediately and consult your doctor.
Question 19: How long does Erythromycin take to start working?
Erythromycin is absorbed into the blood within 1-2 hours of taking it and remains effective for about 4-6 hours. That is why doctors usually recommend dosing every 6 hours. However, the dosage may vary depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Question 20: Does Erythromycin cause weight gain?
No, Erythromycin is not directly linked to weight gain. However, some people may experience stomach issues that could reduce appetite temporarily. This is usually temporary and resolves after the treatment is completed.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.