Movicol Powder Sachets

Buy Movicol in the UK Online

You can buy Movicol from our UK registered online pharmacy by simply completing a quick assessment to ensure the product is suitable for you. Our pharmacist team will review it then send the medicine via Royal Mail right to your door.

What is Movicol?

Movicol is a mixed powdered medicine used to treat constipation. It belongs to the group of medicines known as laxatives. 

Unlike what patients typically think of laxatives, Movicol is an osmotic laxative that focuses on giving patients a comfortable bowel movement, rather than forced rapid movements. Because of this, it is useful even if you have been constipated for a long time. It may even be used in the most severe form of constipation, known as faecal impaction.

How does Movicol work?

It works by drawing water into the bowels, softening the stool. By keeping water in the stool it makes the stool softer and easier to pass by a bowel movement. The slight swelling of the stool from the water then also causes the muscles of the intestines to be stimulated, moving the stool towards the lower large intestine, ready for passing.

Is Movicol effective for constipation?

It is effective however, it may not work immediately. It may take up to a day to trigger a bowel movement in some cases of constipation. It works by creating a softened stool that allows for comfortable bowel movements, not by causing direct stimulation for a fast movement like many alternatives.

What Alternatives are there for Movicol?

Although not generally recommended in many cases, if you require a fast-acting laxative to cause a bowel movement, you should use a stimulant laxative as an alternative. It must be noted however if the stool has become hard and dry that passing it will be difficult and uncomfortable in many cases.

Some alternatives medicines are:

• Fleet Enema (Potent Stimulant)
• Dulcolax (Mild to Moderate Stimulant)
• Lactulose (Osmotic)
• Glycerin (Lubricant/stimulant)
• Senna (Natural Mild Stimulant)

What are Movicols side effects?

Generally, this medicine is tolerated quite well with few side effects.

Some side effects you may experience are:

• Indigestion
• Stomach ache
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Nausea and Vomiting

Stop taking Movicol immediately if you notice any allergic reactions such as swelling of the lips, throat, face, or tongue.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.

• Movicol PIL

How to use Movicol?

For general constipation, dissolve the contents of one sachet in 125mL of water. This dose can be taken 1-3 times a day according to the severity of your constipation. If you are unsure of the severity of your constipation, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For faecal impaction, your doctor may recommend a dose based on your current condition. Do not use the faecal impaction dose of this medicine unless your doctor has told you to do so.

Consider reading the patient information leaflet before use to ensure the best and safest use of any medicine.

It can be taken with or without food.

When taking Movicol it is important that you drink plenty of fluids or at least the number of litres of water recommended by the NHS.

Warning about Movicol

Do not take Movicol if you have been told you have :

• A severe inflammatory bowel disease
• An allergy to any ingredients listed
• An intestine blockage
• A hole in the gut wall

Heart conditions

Do not take more than 2 sachets within 1 hour if you have a heart condition. This dose will only be considered if you have faecal impaction. If you have faecal impaction and a heart condition you must notify your GP so they may advise you on how to proceed.

Other medicines

The medicine can affect some epilepsy medicines. It is important if you are taking other medicines you consult your pharmacist or doctor.

Many other medicines can cause constipation. It is important that you identify the cause of constipation in order to try to prevent it from reoccurring long term.

Can you use Movicol while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, however, you should ask for doctor or pharmacist for further advice on its use before continuing.

Sodium

One sachet a day of Movicol contains 9.3% of the recommended daily intake of salt. If you have been told to follow a low salt diet for medical reasons and prescribed or told to take Movicol long term, you must consider the sodium content of the medicine.

Ingredients in Movicol Powder Sachets

Each 13.8g sachet of Movicol contains the following:

• Macrogol 3350 13.125 g
• Sodium Chloride 0.3507 g
• Sodium Bicarbonate 0.1785 g
• Potassium Chloride 0.0466 g

Movicol also contains lime and lemon flavour, and acesulfame potassium as a sweetener. Lemon and lime flavour contains the following ingredients: acacia solids, maltodextrin, lime oil, lemon oil, citral, citric acid and water.