Idrolax

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient macrogol, which is a type of medicine known as an osmotic laxative. Macrogol 4000 is a long linear polymer, also known as polyethylene glycol. It is not absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream, but remains in the gut where it causes water to be drawn into the lower bowel. This increases the water content and volume of the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. The excess fluid also stretches the wall of the lower bowel, which stimulates the natural contractions of the gut and helps the softened stools pass out of the body. The medicine relieves constipation within 24 to 48 hours.

What is it used for?

Constipation in adults and children over eight years of age

Warning!

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Not to be used in

Allergy to polyethylene glycol

Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)

Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)

Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Sudden expansion of the large intestine seen in advanced ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (toxic megacolon)

Unexplained abdominal pain

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.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information regarding the use of this medicine during breastfeeding, but as it is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream it is unlikely to pass into the breast milk. It may be taken during breastfeeding.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

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.

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Swelling of abdomen (abdominal distension)

Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, or swelling due to fluid retention (oedema)

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.

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