Description

Movicol Adult is a branded osmotic laxative supplied as 13.7 g powder sachets for oral solution. It is intended for adults, adolescents aged 12 years and over, and older people, and is used for the treatment of chronic constipation and faecal impaction. It is not recommended for children under 12 years.

How it works

Each sachet contains macrogol 3350 with electrolytes. Macrogol 3350 retains water in the bowel, which helps soften stools, increase stool volume, and support a bowel movement. The added electrolytes, including sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride, are included to help reduce net electrolyte loss or gain during treatment.

Composition and preparation

Each sachet provides macrogol 3350 13.125 g, sodium chloride about 350.7 mg, sodium bicarbonate about 178.5 mg, and potassium chloride 46.6 to 50.2 mg depending on the adult variant or flavour. Flavoured versions may also contain flavouring and acesulfame potassium.

Dissolve each sachet in 125 mL of water before use. For faecal impaction, 8 sachets may be dissolved in 1 litre of water. After reconstitution, the solution should be kept covered and refrigerated at 2 to 8°C and used within 6 hours.

Dosage guidance

For constipation, the usual dose is 1 to 3 sachets daily in divided doses according to response. Treatment is usually continued for up to 2 weeks unless longer use is medically advised. For faecal impaction, the usual dose is 8 sachets within 6 hours, typically for up to 3 days. If cardiovascular function is impaired, no more than 2 sachets should be taken in any 1 hour. No dose adjustment is generally required in renal insufficiency.

Important safety information

Movicol Adult should not be used in cases of intestinal perforation or obstruction, ileus, paralysis of the bowel, severe inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon, or in people with hypersensitivity to any ingredient.

Adequate fluid intake should be maintained during use. Other oral medicines should not be taken 1 hour before, during, or 1 hour after taking Movicol Adult, as absorption may be reduced. Each sachet contains about 186.87 mg of sodium, which may be relevant for people following a low-salt diet. Stop use and seek medical advice if symptoms of fluid or electrolyte disturbance occur.

Movicol Adult can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding and has no known effect on the ability to drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

Reported adverse effects are mainly gastrointestinal and may include abdominal pain or rumbling, bloating, distension, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and anorectal discomfort. Other reported effects include headache, peripheral oedema, electrolyte disturbances, and allergic reactions such as rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, dyspnoea, and anaphylaxis.