Laxoberal liquid

How does it work?

Laxoberal liquid contains the active ingredient sodium picosulfate, which is a type of medicine known as a stimulant laxative.

Sodium picosulfate works by stimulating the nerve endings in the walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This causes the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract more often and with increased force. When these muscles contract (a process known as peristalsis), this moves the contents of the intestine through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied. This relieves constipation.

The sodium picosulfate is activated by the natural bacteria that are found in the colon, so it does not start working until it reaches this part of the gut.

Laxoberal liquid starts to work six to twelve hours after taking a dose. It should be taken at night to produce relief from constipation the following morning.

Laxoberal liquid can also be used to empty the bowel before childbirth and before certain medical procedures. If this is the case, your doctor will ask you to take the medicine the night before the procedure.

What is it used for?

Constipation

Emptying the bowel prior to surgery, childbirth or radiological investigation (on the advice of a doctor)

Warning!

You should not use this medicine on a continuous basis for long periods of time. If you find you need to use a laxative every day you should consult your doctor so that the cause of the constipation can be investigated.

Prolonged, excessive use of laxatives can lead to chronic diarrhoea, low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia) and an imbalance in the amount of fluid and salts (electrolytes) in your body, particularly if you are also taking diuretic or steroid medicines. This can cause kidney problems, amongst others. Prolonged, excessive use may also make the constipation worse in the long-term, as the gut can become reliant on the laxative.

Not to be used in

Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction or ileus)

Acute attacks of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Sudden abdominal conditions requiring surgery, such as appendicitis

Severe dehydration

Children under 10 years of age, unless on medical advice.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not known to be harmful if taken during pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. Other methods of relieving constipation may be more suitable for you.

This medicine is not known to pass into breast milk, however the manufacturer recommends that it is not used by women who are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine, as other methods of relieving constipation may be more suitable for you.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Abdominal pain or cramps

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Broad spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, doxycycline or erythromycin, may reduce the laxative action of this medicine. This is because they may reduce the numbers of the natural bacteria in the gut that are needed to activate the medicine.

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