IS MOVICOL® SUITABLE AS THE FIRST CHOICE OF TREATMENT FOR OCCASIONAL CONSTIPATION? Yes. MOVICOL® has an effective but gentle mode of action and is an appropriate first choice treatment for both occasional and chronic constipation.
Unlike some laxatives that work to cause bowel contractions through direct nerve stimulation, MOVICOL® has a natural mode of action that works gently, in harmony with your body. acts locally in the colon to relieve constipation: The water retained by MOVICOL® softens the stool and bulks it up slightly.
Are there any issues with long term use of MOVICOL? MOVICOL has been shown to be generally well tolerated in studies of up to 2 years duration. MOVICOL works in harmony by using water and the body's own processes to facilitate regular bowel movement. MOVICOL is not a stimulant, and is not associated with 'lazy' bowel.
This medicine can be taken at any time with or without food. Dissolve the content of each sachet in 125ml (1/4 pint) of water and drink.
Constipation: The recommended dose of Movicol is 1 sachet a day. This can be increased to 2 or 3 sachets daily if necessary.
Because of the gentle, natural mode of action, it can take a day or so after starting MOVICOL before you have your first bowel movement. But it will be a predictable and comfortable one, in harmony with the way your body works.
General Recommendations when taking Laxatives Drink plenty of water. Increase fibre in the diet, except in cases of medication-induced constipation. Prolonged use of laxatives is undesirable and may lead to dependence. In some circumstances, prolonged use may be necessary but should only be under medical supervision.
Like all medicines, Movicol Lemon- Lime can have side effects. Sometimes people have indigestion, stomach ache or rumbles. You may also feel bloated, suffer from wind, feel sick or vomit, may also experience soreness of the anus (bottom) and may have mild diarrhoea when starting to take Movicol Lemon-Lime.
The dose needed, how often to take it and how long for depends on the severity of your constipation. ️ You can take Movicol for up to two weeks to relieve chronic constipation. If you need to take it for longer than this you should get advice from your doctor.
You can take MOVICOL® at any time of day that is convenient.
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
MOVICOL® can be used by patients with renal insufficiency with no need to adjust the dose.
Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results. They stimulate the muscles lining your gut, helping to move things along.
These are the harshest type of laxatives. They cause the bowel to squeeze or contract to move the stools out. Bisacodyl (1 brand name: Dulcolax) and sennosides (1 brand name: Senokot) are examples of stimulant laxatives. Stimulant laxatives should not be used for more than a few days.
Macrogol Brand names: Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Osmotically acting laxatives. Macrogol 3350 acts by virtue of its osmotic action in the gut, which induces a laxative effect. Macrogol 3350 increases the stool volume, which triggers colon motility via neuromuscular pathways.
Osmotic laxatives
They include: lactulose (also called by the brand names Duphalac and Lactugal) macrogol (also called by the brand names Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole and Molative)
In some circumstances, prolonged use may be necessary but should only be under medical supervision. If you take too much Movicol Flavour Free and get bad diarrhoea, stop taking Movicol Flavour Free until the diarrhoea stops. If constipation returns, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Osmotic laxatives
MOVICOL® is gentle and works in harmony with the body. The main active ingredient, macrogol 3350, goes straight to the bowel where, by retaining a set amount of water, it softens, expands and lubricates the stool to trigger peristalsis - in the same way as your normal bowel movement.
Movicol powder
If your child does not drink enough water with it, the medicine will not work properly and your child may become dehydrated. Open the sachet and pour the contents into the water. Stir well until all the powder has dissolved and the mixture is clear or slightly hazy.
It's available on prescription and to buy from pharmacies. Children under 12 years can only take certain brands of macrogol and it must be prescribed for them. Brands prescribed for children include CosmoCol Paediatric and Movicol Paediatric.
If laxatives don't work, ask for help. You should see your doctor and discuss it if you are constantly needing to take laxatives.