The macrogol in MOVICOL binds with water and retains it in the bowel. This allows the water to rehydrate and bulk the stool to trigger renewed colonic activity. Thanks to the electrolytes, this is achieved with an iso-osmotic effect which allows a net balance of water and electrolytes between the gut and the body.
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.
Drink plenty of water. Increase the fibre in your diet. Prolonged use of laxatives is undesirable and may lead to dependence. If symptoms persist seek medical advice.
A dose of Movicol is 1 sachet dissolved in 125 ml (1/4 pint) of water. Take this 1 – 3 times a day according to the severity of your constipation.
There's no gain or loss in either water or electrolytes, because when it's mixed with water, MOVICOL® forms an 'iso-osmotic' solution - which is less likely to dehydrate the body.
Osmotic laxatives encourage bowel movements by drawing water into the bowel from the nearby tissue (intestinal lumen) thereby softening the stool. Some of these laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances as they draw out nutrients and other contents with the water, which increases thirst and dehydration.
If you take too much
You may get diarrhoea and stomach pain but this should ease within a day or two. If it does not, stop taking macrogol and wait for the diarrhoea and stomach pain to pass. If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
You can take MOVICOL® at any time of day that is convenient.
If your health professional has recommended MOVICOL, they have probably advised you about how much to take and for how long. Otherwise please use the chart and table opposite as a guide. Don't worry – soft stools mean MOVICOL has started to work.
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.
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.
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.
About macrogol Brand names: Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole. Macrogol (or macrogols) is a laxative taken to treat constipation (difficulty pooing). You can also use it to help clear a build-up of hard poo in your bowel, which can happen if you've been constipated for a long time (faecal impaction).
While taking bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives it's particularly important to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. This is because these laxatives can cause dehydration. Never take more than the recommended dose of laxatives because this can be harmful and cause troublesome side effects (see below).
The usual dose is between 1-3 or 4 sachets daily to achieve a type 4 stool and regular bowel movements. If the stool becomes watery loose then reduce the daily maintenance dose. However, soiling can also indicate inadequate dose. If soiling recurs you should make contact with a health professional for advice.
MOVICOL® usually takes 1 to 2 days to trigger the first bowel movement.
A course of treatment for faecal impaction with Movicol does not normally exceed 3 days. Adults, adolescents and the older people: 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within a 6 hour period. Children (below 12 years old): Not recommended.
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.
Most people are able to have regular bowel movements within a few weeks. Some people will need to use laxatives along with bowel retraining. Your health care provider can tell you if you need to take laxatives and which ones are safe for you.
MOVICOL® is a gentle and effective treatment for both chronic and occasional constipation. It has been available around the world for more than 20 years, and there are many clinical studies that prove its effectiveness and gentle mode of action.
Laxative abuse
Once the pattern has started, however, people often find it very difficult to stop taking laxatives even if they want to. They can become physically and psychologically dependent on laxatives.
MOVICOL® can be used by patients with renal insufficiency with no need to adjust the dose.