CosmoCol

Buy CosmoCol Sachets Online

Buy CosmoCol Sachets online and have your medicine delivered straight to your door with our UK registered online pharmacy. Buy CosmoCol over the counter in all flavours with next day delivery available from Simple Online Pharmacy.

What is CosmoCol?

CosmoCol is an osmotic laxative used to treat chronic constipation and in more serious cases treatment for faecal impaction (a large volume of stools causing a blockage in the bowels). It contains a mix of macrogol 3350 and electrolytes. Together they make the poo softer and easier to pass, relieving constipation.

CosmoCol comes in four different flavours including plain, orange, lemon & lime and orange lemon & lime. It can be used in those 12 years of age and about. For children aged under 12 years, talk to your doctor about alternative options.

How does CosmoCol work?

Macrogol 3350 draws water into the bowel, hydrating the faeces. Hydration of the faeces makes it softer and significantly easier to pass. Chronic constipation often leads to a short case of diarrhoea which can cause many electrolytes to leave the body. The electrolyte component of CosmoCol helps keep the balance of electrolytes during the bout of constipation as well as preparing the body if diarrhoea occurs after relief.

How long does CosmCol take to work?

To relieve constipation, CosmoCol can take up to ONE to TWO days to work. It takes time for water to be taken in by the bowels before it is soft enough to pass. Duration of treatment can depend on the severity of the condition. For faecal impaction or persistent constipation, speak to your doctor for a dose and duration right for you.

A course of treatment for chronic constipation should generally not last longer than 2 weeks unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

Dose

The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years for chronic constipation is ONE sachet up to three times daily. How much each person will need will vary according to their response to the medicine.

To use the medicine, dissolve the powder in 125mL of water and stir well until the powder has dissolved and drink the mixture. If you decide to dissolve the sachet before you are due for a dose, ensure you store the mixture covered in a refrigerator at between 2-8 degrees. It will last up to 24 hours at this temperature after opening. After 24 hours, discard the mixture.

For the dose for faecal impaction, speak to your doctor for specific advice. They may recommend a significant number of sachets daily for a short period to remove the blockage. Always seek further medical advice if you suspect impaction to avoid complications.

CosmoCol Summary

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Alternatives

Choosing the right constipation treatment for your constipation is important for effective treatment. While CosmoCol works similar to other macrogol 3350 medicines such as Movicol and Laxido, others may work differently and be more suitable depending on the situation.

If the stool is already soft enough to pass, then laxatives with a stimulant action such as Senna, Dulcolax pico liquid, Fleet enema or glycerin suppositories, may be better suited to your needs. If your diet lacks fibre to form a stool with enough bulk to pass, Fybogel may be more suitable. If you are unsure about which medicine is most suitable for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using a treatment.

View our full range of constipation medicines here

CosmoCol side effects

There is the possibility of side effects of CosmoCol although not everyone will experience them. Side effects can include:

• Stomach/ abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Mild diarrhoea - this can be due to the number of sachets taken
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Anus soreness

It is important that if you experience these side effects and you find them uncomfortable that you consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any severe side effects including those that may indicate an allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, seek emergency medical care.

Is this the same as CosmoCol Paediatric?

No, Cosmocol Paediatric has different strengths of active ingredients better suited for children below 12 years. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you believe your child may need Cosmocol Paediatric.

Is CosmoCol prescription only?

No, Cosmocol is available over the counter. You should consult a doctor regarding CosmoCol use if you require treatment for long term constipation or believe there may be a blockage.

Author

	Name	Tyson Wilkman
	Role	Clinical Pharmacist
	Qual.	Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
	About	Tyson started with Simple Online Pharmacy in 2021. He's responsible for helping author and review accurate site content. He works with our GPs to make sure all aspects of the medicines are covered.

Before using any medicine, it is recommended to read the associated patient information leaflet.

• Plain CosmoCol PIL
• Orange CosmoCol PIL
• Lemon & Lime CosmoCol PIL
• Orange, Lemon & Lime CosmoCol PIL

Warnings & Precautions

CosmoCol may not be suitable for all people. Do not take CosmoCol if you:

• Are you have had an allergic reaction to any ingredient listed in the medicine
• Have a perforated bowel wall
• Have a blocked intestine (obstructed bowels)
• Have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon

Other Medicines and CosmoCol

Some medicines, particularly anti-epileptics medicines may not work as effectively when taken with CosmoCol. If you take any other medicines it is important you consult your doctor or pharmacist.

CosmoCol and Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There is not enough data for the use of CosmoCol in pregnancy or breastfeeding to prove that it is safe for use. For this reason, it should only be used under direct instruction by a doctor and only if required.

CosmoCol Ingredients

The active ingredients for each Cosmocol sachet are 13.125g macrogol 3350, 0.3507g sodium chloride, 0.1785g sodium hydrogen carbonate, 0.0466g potassium chloride.

The other ingredient for Plain CosmoCol is colloidal anhydrous silica.

The other ingredients for Orange CosmoCol are saccharin sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica and orange flavouring (maltodextrin, acacia gum, alpha-tocopherol).

The other ingredients for Lemon & Lime CosmoCol are saccharin sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica and lemon-lime flavour (maltodextrin, mannitol, gluconolactone, sorbitol, acacia gum)

The other ingredients for Orange Lemon & Lime CosmoCol are saccharin sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica, orange flavour and lemon-lime flavour.