Important Warnings and Precautions for Strigol Macrogol Plain Powder Sachets
Do not take STRIGOL:
- if you are allergic to macrogol, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (listed in the ingredients section).
- if you have a blockage in the intestine (gut obstruction, ileus).
- if you have a perforated gut wall.
- if you have severe inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or toxic megacolon.
Warnings and precautions
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking STRIGOL.
- If you develop side effects such as swelling, shortness of breath, feeling tired, dehydration (symptoms include increasing thirst, dry mouth and weakness) or heart problems, you should stop taking STRIGOL and contact your doctor immediately.
- When taking STRIGOL you should continue to take plenty of fluids. The fluid content of STRIGOL should not replace your regular liquid intake.
- Avoid mixing STRIGOL and starch-based food thickeners if you have difficulties with swallowing. This may result in a watery liquid which could get into your lungs and cause pneumonia if you can't swallow properly.
- STRIGOL contains 0.6213 mmol (24.230 mg) of potassium per sachet. This should be taken into consideration if the patient takes more than one sachet daily and has reduced kidney function, or is on a controlled potassium diet.
- This medicine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Other medicines and STRIGOL
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.
- Some medicines, e.g. anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively during use with STRIGOL.
- If you need to thicken fluids in order to swallow them safely, STRIGOL may counteract the effect of the thickener.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. STRIGOL can be taken during pregnancy and whilst breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
STRIGOL does not affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Tell your doctor immediately and stop taking STRIGOL if you:
- get a serious allergic reaction which causes difficulty in breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Other side effects include:
- indigestion
- stomach pains
- stomach rumbles
- mild diarrhoea (when starting taking STRIGOL)
- vomiting (being sick)
- nausea (feeling sick)
- anal discomfort (uncomfortable sensation around the bottom)
- swollen stomach
- wind
These side effects generally get better if you reduce the amount STRIGOL you take.
- allergic reactions which may cause a skin rash (hives), itching, reddening of the skin or a nettle rash, swollen hands, feet or ankles, headaches and high and low levels of potassium in the blood.
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
- change in your body's fluid or electrolyte levels (low levels of potassium, low levels of sodium).
If any of the above become serious or last more than a few days or if you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
