Movicol 20 Sachets

Mechanism Of Action Of Herbal Laxative:

• It improves the body’s ability to get rid of waste at the same time as supporting the bowel in emptying itself regularly and effectively.

Therapeutic Indications Of Movicol Sachets:

• Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.
• Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic constipation may also cause people to strain excessively to have a bowel movement.

Method Of Administration Of Movicol Sachets:

• Constipation:

1. Recommended dose is 1 sachet for 1 to 3 times a day depending on how severe your constipation is.
2. The medicine should be taken for around 2 weeks.
3. If you have to take this medicine for a longer period of time, please make sure to consult your doctor first.
4. If you take medicines that increase constipation or if you have constipation due to a disorder like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS), your doctor may recommend that you take this medicine for longer than 2 weeks.

• Fecal impaction:

1. Make sure to confirm with your doctor that you have fecal impaction before starting this medicine. The recommended dose is 8 sachets a day taken within 6 hours for up to 3 days if needed. Make sure not to exceed 2 sachets in an hour if you have a heart problem.
2. Start by opening the sachet and pouring the powder contents into a glass, followed by adding around 125ml (¼ pint) of water to the glass.
3. Then, make sure to stir the mixture until all of the powder has dissolved well and the solution becomes clear or a little hazy, then drink the solution.
4. If you have fecal impaction, you can dissolve the 8 sachets in 1 liter of water at once.

• Take your medicine at any time of the day with or without food.
• Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
• If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
• Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Undesirable Side Effects Of Movicol Sachets:

• Spasmodic GI complaints (rare).
• Hypersensitivity reactions to Plantago (very rare).
• Possible harmless red coloring of urine.
• Deposition of pigment in the intestinal mucosa.
• Water & electrolyte balance disorders (long-term use).
• K loss (can cause cardiac function disorders, myasthenia).
• Protein & food in urine (long-term use).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Movicol Sachets:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce Constipation:

• Drink more water.
• Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber.
• Exercise more.
• Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements.
• Bowel habit training.

Warnings & Special Precautions While Taking Movicol Sachets:

• Do not use in: Patients with abnormal stenosis in the gastrointestinal tract, ileus, diabetes mellitus that is difficult to control, acute inflammatory intestinal diseases eg, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown cause, severe dehydration with water and electrolyte losses, children <10 years.
• In cases of chronic use or abuse, the loss of potassium can potentiate the effect of cardiac glycosides and influence the action of antiarrhythmics. Loss of potassium can be enhanced in combination with certain diuretics, cortisone or cortisone-like substances (adrenocortical steroids), and licorice roots. The absorption of concurrently administered drugs from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream can be delayed. A reduction of the insulin dose can be required in insulin-dependent diabetics.

Storage Conditions Of Movicol Sachets

• store below 25°c
• Don’t refrigerate
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.