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.
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.
Don't be concerned if MOVICOL® does not work immediately. MOVICOL® usually takes 1 to 2 days to trigger the first bowel movement.
Before you take Movicol
Do not take Movicol if your doctor has told you that you have: an obstruction in your intestine (gut) a perforated gut wall.
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.
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.
You can take MOVICOL® at any time of day that is convenient.
The active ingredient in MOVICOL (called macrogol 3350) is virtually unabsorbed by your body. How long will it take? 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.
Movicol won't make you have a bowel movement immediately; it can take one to two days of taking Movicol for it to work.
The unusually slow passage of waste through the large intestine leads to chronic problems, such as constipation and uncontrollable soiling. There is no cure.
osmotic laxatives – such as lactulose and polyethylene glycol, which soften your stools and make them easier to pass by increasing the amount of water in your bowels.
You can eat and drink normally while taking macrogol. It might help to cut down on foods such as pastries, puddings, sweets, cheese and cake, as these foods can make constipation worse. To help with constipation, eat more fibre, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water.
Movicol is usually well tolerated although side effects such as abdominal pain & diarrhoea may occur either because of over treatment or because of overflow (see above). Other side effects include a rumbly tummy (borborygmi), nausea and vomiting. Abdominal distension,flatulence and ano-rectal pain may also occur.
MOVICOL® can be used by patients with renal insufficiency with no need to adjust the dose.
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).
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 and consult the patient information leaflet in your MOVICOL® pack. Don't worry – soft stools mean MOVICOL® has started to work.
Relief within hours
The fastest-working oral laxatives include mineral oil, saline laxatives (like magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate), and stimulant laxatives (like bisacodyl and senna tablets). Common OTC products in this group include Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, and Senokot.
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. Alternative Movicol products are available for children.
Stimulant laxatives if there is a possibility of bowel obstruction. Lactulose as it can cause flatulence, abdominal bloating, and can worsen abdominal cramps. Bulk forming laxatives (e.g. Fybogel) or osmotic laxatives (e.g. Movicol/Laxido) the volumes of which can be difficult for some patients to tolerate.
How Long Does it Take for Movicol to Take Effect? Unlike some laxatives on the market, Movicol is designed to give you more control over your bowel movements and is gentler that most products. Usually people find that Movicol takes effect around one to two days after taking it.
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® does not ferment either, which means less likelihood of gas or bloating/wind.
Maintaince regime: You can mix Movicol with any drink, including warm drinks. Some children like it in jelly and yoghurts.