Movicol Powder Oral Solution 13.81g (sachets)

MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G (SACHETS)

Name

Common Name: Movicol Powder Oral Solution Brand Name: Movicol

Composition

Each 13.81g sachet contains the following active ingredients:

• Macrogol 3350: 13.125 g
• Sodium Chloride: 0.3507 g
• Sodium Bicarbonate: 0.1785 g
• Potassium Chloride: 0.0466 g The formulation may also include lime and lemon flavour and acesulfame potassium as a sweetener.

Uses

Movicol is a laxative primarily used for:

• Chronic Constipation: To treat constipation in adults, adolescents (12 years and older), and the elderly by softening stools and promoting comfortable bowel movements.
• Faecal Impaction: Effective in resolving severe, refractory constipation with faecal loading of the rectum and/or colon.
• Bowel Cleansing: In some cases, it may be used for bowel cleansing before medical procedures like colonoscopy.

Dosage and Administration

Each sachet should be dissolved in 125 ml (approximately ¼ pint) of water. Stir well until the powder is fully dissolved, then drink. It can be taken with or without food.

• For Chronic Constipation: The typical dose is 1 sachet daily, which can be increased to 2 or 3 sachets daily, depending on individual response. Treatment usually lasts around two weeks.
• For Faecal Impaction: A dose of 8 sachets daily, consumed within a 6-hour period, for up to 3 days. For individuals with a heart condition, no more than two sachets should be taken in any one hour.
• Movicol is not recommended for children under 12 years of age for general constipation; specific paediatric formulations are available.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate Movicol well; however, some common side effects include:

• Indigestion, stomach ache or rumbles, bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, soreness of the anus, and mild diarrhoea. These often improve with a dose reduction.

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:

• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or difficulty breathing).
• Symptoms indicating shifts of fluids/electrolytes (e.g., oedema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure).

Precautions

Do not take Movicol if you have:

• An intestinal obstruction or perforated gut wall.
• Severe inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, toxic megacolon).
• An allergy to Macrogol or any other ingredient. Patients should continue to drink plenty of fluids while taking Movicol. The fluid content of Movicol should not replace regular liquid intake. Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding. Movicol may transiently reduce the absorption of other oral medications; separate administration by at least one hour.

Storage

• Store sachets below 25°C or 30°C, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Once prepared, the solution should be kept covered in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C) and discarded if not used within 6 hours.

What is MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G used for?

MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G (SACHETS) is a laxative primarily used to treat chronic constipation in adults, adolescents, and the elderly. It is also effective in resolving faecal impaction, a severe form of constipation where hardened stool accumulates in the rectum or colon. Additionally, a related formulation of Movicol can be used for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy.

How does MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G work?

This medicine contains Macrogol 3350, an osmotic laxative. It works by binding with water and drawing it into the bowel, which hydrates and softens the dry, hard stool, making it easier to pass. This increased stool volume also stimulates the natural movement of the colon, facilitating comfortable defecation. The sachets also contain electrolytes (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride) to help maintain the body's electrolyte balance during treatment.

What is the usual dosage for MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G?

For chronic constipation in adults, adolescents, and the elderly, the usual dose is 1 to 3 sachets daily, adjusted according to individual response. For long-term treatment, the dose can often be reduced to 1 or 2 sachets a day.

For faecal impaction in adults, adolescents, and the elderly, the dose is 8 sachets daily, consumed within a 6-hour period, for up to 3 days. If you have a heart condition, you should not take more than 2 sachets in any one hour when treating faecal impaction.

Each sachet should be dissolved in 125 ml (approximately 1/4 pint) of water. For faecal impaction, it may be more convenient to dissolve 8 sachets in 1 litre of water. MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G?

Common side effects can include indigestion, stomach ache or rumbles, bloating, wind (flatulence), feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, and mild diarrhoea. Mild diarrhoea usually improves if you reduce the amount of Movicol you are taking.

Other possible side effects include allergic reactions (which may manifest as a skin rash, itching, reddening of the skin, nettle rash, or swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles). In rare cases, more serious allergic reactions can occur, causing difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; if this happens, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical attention. Headaches and shifts in electrolyte levels (high or low potassium in the blood) have also been reported. If you experience symptoms like swelling (oedema), shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, or cardiac failure, stop taking Movicol and consult your doctor.

Is MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes, MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G can generally be taken during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The active ingredient, macrogol, is minimally absorbed into the body and is unlikely to pass into breast milk or cause side effects in the baby. However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before taking any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G be taken with other medications?

MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G may temporarily reduce the absorption of other orally administered medications. It is generally recommended to avoid taking other oral medicines for one hour before and one hour after taking Movicol. Some medications, such as anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively when taken concurrently with Movicol. Also, Movicol may counteract the thickening effect of starch-based food thickeners. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications you are taking.

What precautions should be taken when using MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G?

Do not take Movicol if you have a blockage in your intestine, a perforated gut wall, severe inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or toxic megacolon), or an allergy to any of its ingredients. It is important to maintain adequate fluid intake when taking Movicol, as the prepared solution does not replace your regular fluid consumption. If you are being treated for heart conditions, adhere strictly to the recommended dosage for faecal impaction (no more than two sachets in any one hour). If you are on a low-sodium diet, be aware that Movicol contains sodium, particularly if you need to take 3 or more sachets daily for a prolonged period. If you experience symptoms indicating shifts in fluids or electrolytes (e.g., swelling, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, or cardiac failure), stop taking Movicol immediately and consult your doctor.

What happens if a dose of MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G is missed?

If you miss a dose of Movicol, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a forgotten one. If you frequently forget doses, consider setting an alarm or asking your pharmacist for advice on memory aids.

How should MOVICOL POWDER ORAL SOLUTION 13.81G be stored?

Store the sachets below 25°C or at room temperature (below 30°C). Do not use the medicine after its expiry date, which is printed on the sachet and carton. Once the powder has been dissolved in water, if you cannot drink it straight away, keep the solution covered in the fridge (2°C – 8°C). Any prepared solution not used within 6 hours should be discarded. Always keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.