Macrogol (or macrogols) is a laxative taken to treat constipation (difficulty pooing).
You can also use it to help clear a build-up of hard poo in your bowel, which can happen if you've been constipated for a long time (faecal impaction).
It can also be given before a colonoscopy (a test to check inside your bowels) to empty your bowels before the test.
Macrogol comes as sachets of powder that you mix with water to make a drink, a ready-mixed liquid to drink, or a liquid that you dilute before drinking.
It's available on prescription and to buy from pharmacies.
Children under 12 years can only take certain brands of macrogol and it must be prescribed for them. Brands prescribed for children include CosmoCol Paediatric and Movicol Paediatric.
Key facts
- Macrogol relieves constipation by making your poo slightly bigger and softer. This helps poo travel through your bowels more easily.
- Macrogol can take 1 to 2 days to work. Talk to a doctor if you're still constipated after 3 days.
- The most common side effects are stomach pain, diarrhoea, wind and a sore bottom (anus). These are usually mild and do not last long.
- Most macrogol sachets contain sodium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate (known as electrolytes).
- The powder sachets are usually flavoured, but if you do not like the flavour you can add fruit squash to the drink.