Clenpiq

Introduction

Written by Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on August 30, 2023

Clenpiq (CLEN-pik) is a brand-name medication prescribed for clearing the bowel in preparation for a colonoscopy. Clenpiq belongs to a group of drugs called laxatives.

Common questions about Clenpiq

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Clenpiq.

Does Clenpiq have a certain taste?

Yes, Clenpiq oral solution is cranberry-flavored. It’s ready to drink, and it doesn’t need to be diluted. If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do if Clenpiq is not working?

Clenpiq typically causes frequent watery bowel movements that start soon after you take your first dose. For some people, it may take a few hours for Clenpiq to start working. Continue to drink clear liquids as instructed by your doctor. Don’t take any other laxative medications.

If you haven’t started having bowel movements within 5–6 hours of taking Clenpiq, call your doctor to find out what to do. If you’re still passing solid stools on the morning of your colonoscopy, call your doctor. Your examination will likely need to be rescheduled. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a different bowel cleanser to take before your new appointment.

Is Clenpiq similar to MiraLAX?

Yes and no. Clenpiq and MiraLAX are both laxatives. But they differ in some ways, and they’re used for different purposes.

Both Clenpiq and MiraLAX make your stools softer and easier to pass. But Clenpiq also stimulates your bowel. MiraLAX is available over the counter to treat constipation. Clenpiq, on the other hand, is a much stronger laxative that’s only available by prescription. It’s used to fully cleanse and empty the bowel before a colonoscopy. It’s not used to treat constipation.

If you have questions about Clenpiq and other laxatives, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Clenpiq work? And how long does it take to start working?

Clenpiq cleans out your bowel before a colonoscopy. It works by increasing muscular contractions in your lower intestine (bowel). It also draws more water into your lower intestine. These actions cause watery diarrhea that washes out and empties your bowel.

Clenpiq usually starts working about 20–30 minutes after taking a dose, but it may take longer in some people. It typically causes frequent watery bowel movements for a few hours. Make sure you’ll be able to access a toilet during this time.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Uses of Clenpiq

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Clenpiq for certain conditions. The approved use for Clenpiq is described below.

Use for preparation for colonoscopy

Doctors may prescribe Clenpiq oral solution for clearing the bowel in preparation for a colonoscopy. It’s used for this purpose in children ages 9 years and older and adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of your colon (large intestine or bowel). With this procedure, your doctor will guide a camera on a thin, flexible tube through your anus and rectum into your colon. To allow your doctor to clearly see the lining of your colon, your bowel needs to be empty.

Clenpiq is a laxative that cleanses and empties your bowel. Your doctor will typically ask you to take the first dose the night before your colonoscopy. You will take a second dose on the morning of your colonoscopy. This clears your bowel in preparation for the procedure.

Side effects of Clenpiq

Clenpiq may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Clenpiq and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about Clenpiq’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Clenpiq listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with Clenpiq are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Clenpiq’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Clenpiq listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects bother you, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Clenpiq oral solution’s mild side effects include:

• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
• headache
• dizziness
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Clenpiq” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Clenpiq are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Clenpiq’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Clenpiq listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, Clenpiq’s serious side effects include:

• dehydration (low fluid level in your body)
• electrolyte imbalance (high or low levels of essential minerals that are found in your body)
• irregular heart rhythm
• seizures (changes in the electrical activity of your brain)
• kidney problems
• ulcers (open sores) or inflammation (swelling) in the bowel
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Clenpiq” section.

Interactions and warnings for Clenpiq

Below, you’ll find information about Clenpiq’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of Clenpiq

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take Clenpiq, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Clenpiq” section below.

Warnings for Clenpiq

Some people should not take Clenpiq, and others should take it cautiously.

Clenpiq could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Clenpiq is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Clenpiq, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Clenpiq can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Clenpiq or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Clenpiq. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to Clenpiq, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of Clenpiq

You should not take more Clenpiq than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much Clenpiq, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Clenpiq

Information about Clenpiq and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Clenpiq and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Clenpiq should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Clenpiq and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Clenpiq should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about Clenpiq or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How effective is Clenpiq?
• How does the cost of Clenpiq compare with other bowel cleansers?
• Will Clenpiq affect my regular medications?
• Will taking Clenpiq keep me up all night?

Resources

• Clenpiq (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid) oral solution. (2022). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/209589s014lbl.pdf
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.