Movicol Lemon & Lime Sachets for Constipation (30)

Product Summary

Movicol 13.8g sachet powder for oral solution is a laxative for the treatment of constipation.

Suitable for adults, adolescents and the elderly.

Movicol is powder should be added to water to make an oral solution.

Movicol softens the stool and bulks it slightly, encouraging bowel movement even if you have been constipated for a long time.

Key Features

• 30 sachets.
• For the relief of constipation
• Can be used to relieve faecal impaction (very bad constipation)
• Lemon & lime flavour
• Suitable for those over the age of 12 years
• Can be taken during pregnancy. However, do ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this product.

Directions

• This medicine can be taken any time of day with or without food.
• Dissolve the content of each sachet in 125ml of water (¼ of a pint).
• If the condition worsens or doesn't improve after the time periods stated below, consult your doctor.

For constipation

• Adults, adolescents and elderly:
• Take 1 sachet 1-3 times a day depending on severity.
• Extended use (roughly 2 weeks): up to 2 sachets per day

For faecal impaction

• Adults, adolescents and elderly:
• 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within a 6-hour period for up to 3 days if required.
• Each sachet should be dissolved in 125 ml of water (¼ of a pint).
• For convenience, 8 sachets can be dissolved in a litre of water to be taken within a 6-hour period.
• Please ensure that you read the enclosed leaflet carefully before taking this product.

Ingredients

Each sachet contains: Magrocol 3350 (13.125g), Sodium Chloride (350.7mg), Sodium Bicarbonate (178.5mg), Potassium Chloride (46.6mg).

Warnings and Restrictions

Caution before taking Movicol:

• Do not use for longer than is necessary.
• You may develop diarrhoea. If this occurs, stop taking Movicol until it clears, and then start again at a lower dose. If you are worried, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
• If you have a heart condition, do not take more than 4 sachets in any one hour.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking Movicol.

Driving and using machines

Movicol does not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Do not take Movicol if your doctor has told you that you have:

• a blockage in your intestine (gut obstruction, ileus)
• a perforated gut wall
• severe inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or toxic megacolon
• an allergy to the active substances or any of the other ingredients of Movicol.

Taking other medicines

Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can Movicol be taken safely in the long term?

Movicol is primarily for short-term use, generally up to two weeks, to treat mild constipation. If your constipation is chronic or recurrent, a doctor may recommend taking Movicol for longer than this. In these circumstances, the dose can be reduced to the lowest effective dose that continues to keep your bowels moving regularly. A doctor must always oversee long-term use because overusing laxatives can make you dependent on them, meaning your body will no longer move stool naturally. It's also good to bring about lifestyle changes along with Movicol — including drinking plenty of water, eating fibre foods, and exercising regularly — to enhance bowel health. If you always need laxatives, speak to your GP or pharmacist. They can guide you on why it is occurring and take you safely.

Is it safe to take Movicol tablets with other medications or supplements?

Yes, but with caution. Movicol may interfere with how your body absorbs certain medicines, especially if taken closely together. These include tablets like epilepsy medication, iron tablets, some antibiotics, and heart condition medication. You must leave a two-hour time gap between Movicol and other medications to avoid this. Always speak to a pharmacist first if you are already on prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medicines. This will prevent possible interactions. It can also mean that your vitamins or mineral supplements are not properly absorbed when taking Movicol because it changes how your bowel works. Your pharmacist might be able to alter your timing or dosage so you can safely benefit from both Movicol and your other medicines.

What do I do if Movicol causes diarrhoea or tummy cramps?

When Movicol causes diarrhoea or stomach cramps, it may be a sign that your dose is too strong. Start by stopping the treatment for a day or two until your stomach settles. Then, try to start again on a lower dose, like one sachet each day, and gradually increase if needed. Always mix the sachet with the maximum amount of water (125ml) since this avoids causing stomach discomfort. If you continue to have diarrhoea or are dizzy or weak, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Diarrhoea may cause you to lose vital salts and water from your body, so make sure you take fluids. Severe side effects are rare with Movicol, but seek immediate medical attention if you have persistent pain, dehydration, or sickness.

Is Movicol suitable for patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease?

Movicol contains salts like sodium, potassium, and chloride, which move water to the bowel and soften the stool. These salts are generally safe, but be careful if you have liver disease, kidney problems, high blood pressure, or heart disease. If you have too much, your body's balance of salts and fluids may be affected. Don't take Movicol without consulting a doctor if you have any diseases. You might still be able to take it safely, but your dose would have to be less, or your health would have to be checked more often while you take it. A pharmacist can also tell you if Movicol is right for you or if a safer product can be used. Never take more than you have been prescribed, especially if your doctor has given you a salt-restricted or fluid-restricted regimen.

Can Movicol be used to treat constipation caused by medicines?

Yes, Movicol will usually be prescribed to treat constipation that is caused by medicines, for example, painkillers like codeine or morphine. These types of drugs can slow down your bowel and make the stool harder and stickier. Movicol introduces water into your bowel, softening the stool and making it easier to pass, even if another medicine causes constipation. If you're taking pain relief for an operation or long-term illness and get constipated, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can prescribe Movicol at the correct dose to treat this side effect. But don't treat yourself without advice if you're taking potent or multiple drugs. It's also a good idea to stay active and drink fluids when you can, which will stop constipation from coming back.