Movicol Sachets x 30 [P]

Each sachet of this medicine contains macrogol (polyethlene glycol '3350'), which is a type of medicine known as an osmotic laxative. Each sachet also contains sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The contents of the sachets are 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.The sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride (electrolytes) are included in this medicine to help ensure that the laxative works without causing the body to gain or lose significant amounts of sodium, potassium or water.This medicine is used to help people who have been constipated for a long time to have a comfortable bowel movement. It is also used to relieve more severe constipation known as faecal impaction.

 

Prolonged use of this medicine to treat constipation (more than two weeks) is not usually recommended. However, your doctor may recommend that you take it for longer than two weeks if you have chronic constipation that is a result of diseases such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis; or if you are taking regular medicines that cause constipation, such as opioid painkillers (eg morphine), antispasmodic medicines ( eg hyoscine, atropine) or anticholinergic medicines for Parkinson's symptoms (eg procyclidine).A course of treatment for faecal impaction does not normally exceed three days.What is it used for?Chronic constipation Build up of compressed and hardened stools (faeces) in the rectum as a result of chronic constipation (faecal impaction)

 

 

This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. To take this medicine the contents of each sachet should be dissolved in 125ml of water and the solution drunk straight away. If needed you can add a flavour such as orange squash to the solution. If you cannot drink the solution straight away it can be kept covered in the fridge (2-8ºC) for up to six hours. Throw away any solution not used within a six hour period.Take this medicine as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose for constipation is normally one sachet taken one to three times a day, depending on the severity of the constipation. For the treatment of faecal impaction the dose is eight sachets a day, all of which should be taken within a six hour period. If you have a heart condition do not take more than two sachets in any one hour.Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you begin to feel weak, fatigued, breathless, very thirsty with a headache, or get swollen ankles while taking this medicine. These symptoms may indicate that your fluid and electrolyte levels are disturbed and your doctor may need to take a blood test to check for this.

 

Use with caution in

Heart disease

Not to be used in Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)Hole in the gut (intestinal perforation)

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage (ulcerative colitis)

Crohn's disease Sudden expansion of the large intestine seen in advanced ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (toxic megacolon)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

 

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

 

 

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor. It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

 

 

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

 

 

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Vomiting

Swelling of abdomen (abdominal distension)

Abdominal rumbling and gurgling sounds due to movement in the intestines (borborygmi)

 

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

 

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

 

Large volumes of fluid can flush tablets and capsules through the gut without giving them a chance to be absorbed into the body. For this reason, if you are taking a large volume of this medicine in one go, you should avoid taking other tablets or capsules in the hour before and after the dose. Ask your pharmacist for further advice