Drug interactions
Colistin + Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid
Severity: Minor
Colistin and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Sodium picosulfate requires colonic bacteria for activation, and antibiotics may blunt this. Parenteral colistin has little effect on the colon, while oral colistin used for gut decontamination could reduce bowel cleansing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colistin and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible antibiotic-related suppression of colonic bacteria needed to activate sodium picosulfate.
What to do
Give the bowel preparation before oral antibiotic decontamination where feasible. Confirm adequate bowel cleansing before the procedure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Colistin
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Amikacin + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b + Colistin Major
- Atracurium + Colistin Major
- Bacitracin + Colistin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colistin with Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Colistin and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Sodium picosulfate requires colonic bacteria for activation, and antibiotics may blunt this. Parenteral colistin has little effect on the colon, while oral colistin used for gut decontamination could reduce bowel cleansing.
How serious is the interaction between Colistin and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give the bowel preparation before oral antibiotic decontamination where feasible. Confirm adequate bowel cleansing before the procedure.
What other medicines interact with Colistin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colistin with, for example, Polymyxin b, Amikacin, Amphotericin b deoxycholate. The full list is on the Colistin page.
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