Movicol-Half Powder Sachets Pack of 30

Movicol powder is used to relieve:

• Chronic constipation.
• Build up of compressed and hardened stools (faeces) in the rectum as a result of chronic constipation (faecal impaction).

Containing macrogol (polyethylene glycol), which is a type of medicine known as an osmotic laxative, each Movicol sachet also contains sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The contents of the sachets should be mixed with water to make a drink. Macrogol is an inert substance that passes through the gut without being absorbed into the body. It relieves constipation because it causes the water it is taken with to be retained in the bowel instead of being absorbed into the body. This increases the water content and volume of the stools in the bowel making them softer and easier to pass.

Sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride (electrolytes) are included in each sachet to help ensure that the laxative works without causing the body to gain or lose significant amounts of sodium, potassium or water that are needed for proper functioning of the body. 

This medicine can be taken at any time of day with or without food.

Dissolve the content of each sachet in 62.5ml (¼ glass) of water and drink.

Chronic Constipation: A dose of Movicol-Half is 2 sachets. Each sachet is dissolved in 62.5ml (1/4 glass) of water. Take 1–3 times a day depending on the severity.

Faecal impaction: Before you take Movicol-Half for faecal impaction, it should be confirmed that you have this condition. A dose of 16 sachets a day of Movicol-Half is needed for the treatment of faecal impaction.

Each sachet dissolved in 62.5ml (1/4 glass) of water. The 16 sachets should be taken within 6 hours for up to 3 days if required. 3 If you have a heart condition do not take more than 4 sachets in any one hour. Movicol 13.8g sachet is a more convenient product to use for treating faecal impaction.

How to mix: Open the sachet and pour the contents into a glass. Add ¼ glass (about 62.5ml) of water to the glass. Stir well until all the powder has dissolved and the Movicol-Half solution is clear or slightly hazy, then drink it. If you like you can add a flavour such as orange squash to the drink. For use in faecal impaction the correct number of sachets can be reconstituted in advance and kept covered and refrigerated for up to 6 hours. For example 16 sachets can be made up into one litre of water.

Duration of treatment:

Chronic Constipation: Treatment with Movicol-Half usually lasts for about 2 weeks. If your constipation is caused by an illness such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS), or if you take medicines that cause constipation your doctor may recommend that you take Movicol-Half for longer than 2 weeks. If you need to take Movicol-Half for longer, please see your doctor. Usually for long term treatment the dose can be lowered to either 2 or 4 sachets a day.

Faecal impaction: Treatment with Movicol-Half can be for up to 3 days.

Do not take Movicol-Half laxatives 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 like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or toxic megacolon
• an allergy to any of the ingredients

Heart conditions

Follow the special instructions in the directions section if you are taking MOVICOL-Half for faecal impaction.

Pregnancy and breast feeding

If you are pregnant or breast feeding talk to your doctor before taking MOVICOL-Half.

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines

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

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you may be taking.

If you have a heart condition do not take more than 4 sachets in any one hour.

KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.

PLEASE READ ALL PRODUCT PACKAGING AND LABELS PRIOR TO USE.

Macrogol 3350, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride.

Movicol-Half also contains lime and lemon flavour, and acesulfame potassium as a sweetener.