PREPOPIK (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and anhydrous citric acid) for oral solution is provided in two packets, the contents of each to be dissolved in 5 ounces of cold water and consumed.

Each packet contains 10 mg sodium picosulfate, 3.5 g magnesium oxide and 12 g anhydrous citric acid. The product also contains the following inactive ingredients, potassium hydrogen carbonate, saccharine sodium, and spray dried orange flavor which contains acacia gum, lactose, ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxyanisole. The following is a description of the three active ingredients:

Sodium picosulfate is a stimulant laxative.

Sodium picosulfate

• Chemical name: 4,4´-(2-pyridylmethylene) diphenyl bis(hydrogen sulfate) disodium salt, monohydrate
• Chemical formula: C₁₈H₁₃NNa₂O8S₂.H₂O
• Molecular weight: 499.4
• Structural formula:

• Sodium picosulfate

Magnesium citrate, which is formed in solution by the combination of magnesium oxide and anhydrous citric acid, is an osmotic laxative.

Magnesium oxide

• Chemical name: Magnesium oxide
• Chemical formula: Mg O
• Molecular weight: 40.3
• Structural formula: Mg O

Anhydrous citric acid

• Chemical name: 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
• Chemical formula: C₆H₈O₇
• Molecular weight: 192.1
• Structural formula:

Anhydrous citric acid

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.