Movicol

Movicol

Movicol is a laxative that treats constipation. It can be used for short- or long-term constipation problems including faecal impaction (a blockage consisting of many stools in the rectum or colon).

Before taking laxatives to treat constipation, you should first try to make changes to your diet and lifestyle to ease your symptoms:

• Eating high-fibre foods (whole grains and vegetables)
• Drinking lots of water
• Getting plenty of exercise
• Going to the toilet at regular intervals

Sometimes, medicines can cause constipation as a side effect. However, it’s important to speak to your doctor if you suspect that your constipation is caused by a medicine you are taking. You should not stop taking a medicine prescribed to you unless your doctor tells you it is safe to do so.

If your constipation persists after making changes to your diet and lifestyle, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist. A healthcare professional can inform you of the treatments available and help you find the right one for you, based on your condition and medical history.

How Does Movicol Work For Constipation?

Constipation occurs when faeces are too hard to pass naturally without a great deal of straining. Movicol softens the faeces allowing it to pass as usual. This medication contains added electrolytes (salts), such as potassium chloride and sodium chloride, which prevent dehydration.

While taking Movicol, it is important to drink plenty of water to ensure that you do not become dehydrated.

However, if dehydration does occur after taking Movicol, seek assistance from a doctor or pharmacist immediately.

How Do I Take Movicol?

Movicol is to be taken as a liquid. It comes in the form of powder within individual sachets; each sachet is one dose.

Empty one sachet of Movicol into a glass and add 125ml of cold water.

Stir the mixture until the powder has dissolved completely. This can take up to 2 minutes, but you should not take the medicine until there is no powder left in the glass.

Once the powder has dissolved, drink all the mixture.

Movicol can be taken with or without food.

For constipation, you can take Movicol up to three times a day.

Movicol is available in three flavours: plain, chocolate, and lemon & lime.