CosmoCol Orange Flavour Sachets – Pack of 30

What are CosmoCol sachets?

CosmoCol sachets are a treatment for constipation that can be made up into a delicious drink. It can be used for chronic constipation or faecal impaction, helping to clear your blockage so your digestive system can start to get back to normal. If you’re looking for an easy way to relieve chronic constipation that’s available in a range of yummy flavours, CosmoCol could be perfect for you.

Why am I constipated?

There are lots of reasons why you may be constipated, it’s very common and has many simple causes. If you’ve been finding it more difficult to poo or haven’t been able to poo for a few days then you may be constipated, and if it continues then you may have a more severe type of constipation called faecal impaction. Some of the most common causes of constipation include:

• Not getting enough fibre in your diet

• Not drinking enough fluids

• Not being active enough

• A change in your daily routine

• A change in your diet

• Stress or anxiety

• Some medications, e.g. codeine, morphine

• Some medical conditions

How does CosmoCol ease constipation?

CosmoCol contains four active ingredients which work together to relieve constipation; macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and potassium chloride. The macrogol helps to soften your built up poo, making it easier and more comfortable for you to pass. At the same time, the other ingredients work as electrolytes, helping to regulate the levels of salts, water, and potassium in your body as it clears your constipation. This is especially important as chronic constipation or faecal impaction can be followed up with diarrhoea, which depletes your body’s stores of water and salts, so CosmoCol helps your body prepare for this.

What flavours do CosmoCol sachets come in?

CosmoCol comes in 4 delicious flavours, so you can find your favourite to get you through your treatment. The flavours available are:

• Plain

• Orange

• Lemon and lime

• Orange, lemon and lime

Can I take this laxative during pregnancy?

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy but you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking CosmoCol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. They may wish to recommend another treatment which will be more suitable for you at this time.

Can I take this product with my regular medication?

If you’re taking any other medication you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking CosmoCol. Some medicines, such as antiepileptics, can interact with this product, making them less effective.

How to make up CosmoCol sachets

To make up your CosmoCol drink you should first fill a glass with 125ml of water. Add the contents of one sachet to the water and stir well until the powder has dissolved. Drink the solution right away. Stop taking this product after you have passed a large volume of poo, which will usually happen within 3 days of treatment.

How much of this product should I drink?

The amount of CosmoCol you should drink will depend on what you’re taking it for:

• For chronic constipation: Take one sachet 1 - 3 times a day. Treatment should not last longer than 2 weeks

• For faecal impaction: Mix 8 sachets of CosmoCol and drink them all within 6 hours. You should only use this treatment if advised to do so by your doctor and for as long as your doctor recommends

When should this product not be used?

CosmoCol sachets are not suitable for use in children under the age of 12. Do not use this product if you are allergic to macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium chloride, or any of the other listed ingredients. This product should not be taken by those who have:

• A perforated gut wall

• A blockage in the intestine, e.g. gut obstruction, ileus

• Severe inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, toxic megacolon

Does CosmoCol have any side effects?

Like all medications, CosmoCol can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects you should stop use and seek immediate medical assistance:

• Symptoms of allergy, e.g. rash, itching, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

• Symptoms of a change in your body’s fluid or electrolyte levels, e.g. swelling (especially in the ankles), feeling weak or increasingly tired, feeling thirsty with a headache

Other side effects you may experience include:

• Abdominal or stomach pain

• Mild diarrhoea, which is usually a sign that you should reduce the number of sachets you take in a day

• Feeling sick

• Being sick (vomiting)

• Bloating

• Stomach rumbling

• Flatulence or wind

• A sore bottom

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product you should stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children. 

Can I buy Cosmocol over the counter?

You do not need a prescription for Cosmocol Sachets, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that Cosmocol is the best choice for you.

 

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

 

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support