[2] Sodium picosulfate used in combination with magnesium oxide and anhydrous citric acid is indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy.

[1] Orally administered sodium picosulfate is generally used for thorough evacuation of the bowel, usually for patients who are preparing to undergo a colonoscopy.

[4] Patients are often required to drink large amounts of clear fluids, to compensate for dehydration and to reestablish normal electrolyte balance.

[5] It has no significant direct physiological effect on the intestine; however, it is metabolised by gut bacteria into the active compound 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl-(2-pyridyl)methane (DPM, BHPM).

[5][8] It is sold under the brand names Sodipic Picofast, Laxoberal, Laxoberon,[9] Purg-Odan, Picolax, Guttalax, Namilax, Pico-Salax,[10] PicoPrep,[11] and Prepopik,[3] among others.