Movicol Half Macrogol Laxative Powder Sachets 6.9g x 30

Movicol Half Macrogol Laxative Powder Sachets

Movicol powder is used to relieve:

• Chronic constipation.
• Build up of compressed and hardened stools (faeces) in the rectum as a result of chronic constipation (faecal impaction).

Not suitable for children under 12yrs old - Please speak to your GP

Containing macrogol (polyethylene glycol), which is a type of medicine known as an osmotic laxative, each Movicol sachet also contains sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The contents of the sachets should be mixed with water to make a drink. Macrogol is an inert substance that passes through the gut without being absorbed into the body. It relieves constipation because it causes the water it is taken with to be retained in the bowel instead of being absorbed into the body. This increases the water content and volume of the stools in the bowel making them softer and easier to pass.

Sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride (electrolytes) are included in each sachet to help ensure that the laxative works without causing the body to gain or lose significant amounts of sodium, potassium or water that are needed for proper functioning of the body.

How to Use:

Chronic Constipation:

• A dose of Movicol-Half is 2 laxative sachets.
• Take this 1 -3 times a day according to the severity of your constipation.

Faecal impaction:

• A dose of 16 laxative sachets a day of Movicol-Half is needed for the treatment of faecal impaction. The 16 sachets should be taken within 6 hours for up to 3 days if required.
• If you have a heart condition do not take more than 4 laxative sachets in any one hour.
• Movicol 13.8g laxative sachet is a more convenient product to use for treating faecal impaction.

How to mix:

Open the laxative sachet and pour the contents into a glass. Add a quarter glass (about 62.5ml) of water to the glass. Stir well until all the powder has dissolved and the Movicol-Half laxative solution is clear or slightly hazy, then drink it. If you like you can add a flavour such as orange squash to the drink.

Duration of treatment:

Chronic Constipation:

• Treatment with Movicol-Half laxatives usually last for about 2 weeks. If your constipation is caused by an illness such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis (MS), or if you take medicines that cause constipation your doctor may recommend that you take Movicol-Half laxatives for longer than 2 weeks.
• Usually for long term treatment that dose can be lowered to either 2 or 4 sachets a day.

Faecal impaction:

• Treatment with Movicol-Half laxatives can be for up to 3 days.

If you take more Movicol-Half laxatives than you should:

You may develop diarrhoea. Stop taking Movicol-Half laxatives until it clears, and then start again at a lower dose. If you are worried contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget to take Movicol-Half laxatives:

Take the dose as soon as you remember to take it