Stimulant laxatives such as senna or bisacodyl and osmotic laxatives such as macrogol (Movicol) are most effective. Combined stimulant laxative with a stool softener (Coloxyl with Senna, Sennesoft) can be used. Bulk- forming laxatives like psyllium should not be used as they increase the risk of bowel obstruction.
For most people, 1 laxative will be enough to relieve constipation. Occasionally, you may need to take 2 different types of laxatives at the same time to get your bowels moving again. Only take 2 laxatives together on the advice of your doctor or pharmacist as there is an increased risk of side effects.
Stool Softener with Laxative should cause you to have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. Do not take Stool Softener with Laxative for longer than 7 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor if your constipation does not improve or if it gets worse after taking Stool Softener with Laxative.
It is a laxative for the treatment of constipation in adults, adolescents and elderly. It is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Movicol helps you to have a comfortable bowel movement even if you have been constipated for a long time. Movicol also works in very bad constipation called faecal impaction.
Coloxyl with Senna: Infrequent/rare: diarrhoea, abdominal cramps/discomfort, nausea, rash, fluid and electrolyte imbalance (with prolonged use or excessive use) Coloxyl Infant Drops: abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea (with excessive doses)
How to use this product: Adults and children over 12 years of age. Take one or two tablets at night. Increase up to 4 tablets if necessary.
If laxatives don't work, ask for help. You should see your doctor and discuss it if you are constantly needing to take laxatives.
Constipation: The recommended dose of Movicol is 1 sachet a day. This can be increased to 2 or 3 sachets daily if necessary.
HOW LONG WILL MOVICOL® TAKE TO WORK? Don't be concerned if MOVICOL® does not work immediately. MOVICOL® usually takes 1 to 2 days to trigger the first bowel movement.
You can take MOVICOL® at any time of day that is convenient.
Stool softeners like docusate (Colace) work by reducing the hardness of stools, which should make them easier to pass. Problem is, they won't do much if you're already constipated, since they take three of four days to kick in, he adds. But they can help treat chronic constipation.
Stimulant laxatives.
These laxatives should never be used more than once every three days because they can cause your bowel to lose its ability to contract. A common example of a stimulant laxative is bisacodyl (Dulcolax and Correctol).
Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid effect. Results are slowed if taken with food. Many stimulant laxatives (but not castor oil) are often taken at bedtime to produce results the next morning (although some may require 24 hours or more).
Relief within minutes
The fastest way to get constipation relief is to use OTC laxatives that are administered rectally. These include saline and mineral oil enemas as well as glycerin and bisacodyl rectal suppositories.
You also shouldn't mix different types of laxatives. This includes oral laxatives (taken by mouth) and suppositories. Don't take bisacodyl within 1 hour of taking antacids or drinking milk. Mineral oil and castor oil are sometimes used as laxatives.
How long will MOVICOL take to work? MOVICOL usually takes 1 to 2 days to trigger the first bowel movement.
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.
This medicine can be given at any time with or without food. Dissolve the content of each sachet in 62.5 ml (1/4 of a glass) of water and drink. Chronic Constipation: The dose of Movicol Paediatric Plain depends on the age of the child and their response to treatment.
It is recommended that you drink a glass of water or other fluid after you take Movicol Ready To Take. When taking Movicol Ready To Take you should continue to take plenty of fluids.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.