Movicol FAQs
Movicol provides gentle constipation relief for adults and children. It contains macrogol, which helps relieve the sensation of blocked bowels.
Movicol contains acacia solids, citric acid, lemon oil, and lime oil as flavouring components. When you prepare Movicol, it's important to dissolve all the powder in water to create an effective oral solution.
What is Movicol?
It's a type of laxative medication designed to treat constipation in adults, adolescents, and the elderly.
Movicol is particularly effective for those suffering from chronic constipation and can also be used to treat faecal impaction, a condition where hardened stool becomes difficult to pass.
What does Movicol help with for chronic constipation?
Movicol powder can effectively relieve chronic constipation and help ease discomfort. It can also help with faecal impaction.
Movicol helps produce a soft stool, which can vary depending on the severity of constipation.
You should not take Movicol with other medicines together by mouth and should not take them one hour before or after taking Movicol.
How does Movicol work?
Movicol works by rehydrating the stool to restore comfortable bowel movements. .
The active ingredients in Movicol, including macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride, all attract and hold water in the bowel.
These ingredients soften the stool, making it easier to pass. The electrolytes in Movicol help prevent electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.
Do I need a prescription for Movicol powder?
No prescription is needed. You can get Movicol over the counter at your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacy.
What flavours does Movicol come in, apart from lemon-lime?
It comes in three flavours: chocolate, lemon-lime, and flavour-free.
How quickly does Movicol work?
You should experience effective relief in one to two days.
How much Movicol can you take in a day?
The recommended dose of Movicol is one sachet a day. However, if you have faecal impaction, you can take up to 8 sachets a day within six hours.
If severe side effects like vomiting or dehydration occur, it is crucial to stop giving more Movicol and seek medical assistance immediately.
You may need to take this dose for up to three days, but please speak to your doctor or Pharmacist about the amount of Movicol you need.
Are there any side effects to Movicol, such as stomach ache?
Like all medicines, Movicol can have side effects. You may experience indigestion, stomach ache, rumbling, bloating, or nausea.
If you are experiencing side effects, seek advice from your doctor or Pharmacist who may suggest reducing the amount of Movicol you’re taking.
Is Movicol a laxative or stool softener?
Movicol is an osmotic laxative that's used to treat constipation in adults, teenagers and the elderly.
It works by bringing water to the hard dry stool in your colon, bulking it up with water retained by Movicol and activating a bowel movement by naturally triggering colonic activity.
Macrogol 3350, a key ingredient in Movicol, is virtually unabsorbed in the body, which helps it attract and hold water in the bowel.
Is Movicol suitable for children?
No, it's not recommended for children under 12 years of age. However, there is a specific formulation called Movicol Paediatric Plain for younger children.
Following the doctor’s instructions and advice when administering Movicol to children is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment.
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