Macrogol

Laxative · Osmotic laxative

Indications

Chronic constipation, faecal impaction.

Dosage

Chronic constipation: Adults & Children: Over 12 yr, 1-3 sachets daily in divided doses usually for up to 2 wk; contents of each sachet dissolved in half a glass (approx 125 mL) of water; maintenance, 1-2 sachets daily. Faecal impaction: Adults & Children: Over 12 yr, 8 sachets daily dissolved in 1 litre of water and drunk within 6 hr, usually for max 3 days. After reconstitution the solution should be kept in a refrigerator and discarded if unused after 6 hr.

Adverse Effects

Abdominal distension and pain, nausea, flatulence, GI upset, dyspepsia, borborygmi, anal discomfort, headache, electrolyte disturbances, peripheral oedema, allergic reactions.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Intestinal perforation or obstruction, paralytic ileus, severe inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and toxic megacolon), gastric retention. Precautions: Discontinue if symptoms of fluid and electrolyte disturbance, patients with cardiovascular impairment should not take more than 2 sachets in any hour. Faecal impaction or bowl cleansing: Impaired gag reflex, risk of aspiration or regurgitation, reflux oesophagitis, impaired consciousness. Maintain adequate hydration. Arrhythmia, cardiac or renal impairment, elderly or debilitated patients, severe acute inflammatory disease. Kleen-Prep: Phenylketonuria.

Interactions

Possible transient reduction in absorption of the drugs.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Empty contents of sachet into a glass of water, stir and drink.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Not significantly absorbed from the GI tract. Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

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