Macrogol - Common brands: Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol

What macrogol is for

Macrogol is used to treat:

• constipation
• a problem where lots of poo becomes dry and stuck in your bowel (faecal impaction)

It's also taken to empty your bowel (often called bowel prep) before having a procedure such as a colonoscopy.

Macrogol is a type of laxative called an osmotic laxative. This means it brings water into your bowel, making your poo softer and easier to pass.

How to take macrogol

Macrogol comes as a powder you mix with water, or as a liquid (oral solution) you drink.

How to take macrogol and how long to take it for depends on the type you have and why you're taking it.

When taking macrogol:

• drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated
• you can take it with or without food
• you can add extra flavouring to make it taste nicer, such as squash
• if you take any other medicines, take them at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking macrogol

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Ask a pharmacist for advice if you have problems giving macrogol to your child. They may be able to suggest different ways to give the medicine.

If you miss a dose of macrogol

If you forget to take a dose of macrogol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much macrogol

Taking an extra dose of macrogol is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you or your child take too much and feel unwell.

Side effects of macrogol

Like all medicines, macrogol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of macrogol include:

• stomach ache
• bloating
• farting
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea

These side effects may get better if you reduce the dose of macrogol.

Macrogol does not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Serious side effects

Macrogol can sometimes cause serious side effects.

Possible serious side effects of macrogol include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• a build-up of fluid in your hands or feet (oedema) – causing symptoms such as swelling and tight, shiny skin
• a high level of potassium in your blood (hyperkalaemia) – causing symptoms such as muscle weakness and a slow heartbeat

Who can and cannot take macrogol

Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take macrogol.

But macrogol is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction to macrogol
• you have a bowel condition such as diverticular disease or Crohn's disease
• you have a kidney or heart condition
• your doctor has advised you to avoid medicines or supplements that contain potassium
• your doctor has advised you to avoid medicines that contain sodium, or limit how much sodium (salt) you have in your diet

Children aged 2 to 11 years old can only have macrogol if it's prescribed. Tell their doctor if they have any health conditions.

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you or your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.

Breastfeeding and macrogol

You can take macrogol while breastfeeding.

It's rare for breast fed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and macrogol

You can take macrogol if you're pregnant.

Find out more about taking macrogol during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking macrogol with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with macrogol.

For example, macrogol can affect how some medicines for epilepsy work.

Before you take macrogol, check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.

If you take any other medicines, do not take them at the same time as macrogol. Take any other medicines at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking macrogol.

Food, drink and alcohol with macrogol

You can eat and drink as normal while taking macrogol.

It's important to drink plenty of fluid when taking macrogol to avoid dehydration. Although each dose is mixed with water, this passes through your bowel and is not absorbed into your body.