Medicines & treatments centre

MACROGOL COMPOUND NPF WARNINGS

Macrogol compound should not be used for faecal impact unless the diagnosis has been confirmed by your doctor.

It should not be used in:

• blockage of the intestine, perforation in the intestine, paralysis of the intestine, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, toxic megacolon, patients with allergies to any of the ingredients, other medicines should not be taken within an hour either before or after taking macrogol compound.

Also see list of precautions and interactions

STORAGE

You should store unopened sachets below 25ºC.
Reconstituted Compound Macrogol Oral Powder solution can be covered and stored in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), and should be used within six hours. After six hours, any unused solution should be discarded.

MACROGOL COMPOUND NPF USES

Macrogol compound is a laxative used to treat chronic constipation and the build up of hard faeces in your bowel. It works by softening your faeces, making it easier to pass. The electrolytes help to maintain your body’s normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while you are being treated for constipation.

In general this drug is used for the treatment of constipation, especially if you have been constipated for a long time. It is also used to treat the build up of hard faeces in your bowel, which can occur if you have been constipated for a long time.

Benefits of being on this drug can include relief from constipation.

Listed below are the typical uses of macrogol.

• Chronic constipation
• Build up of hard faeces in the bowel (faecal impaction).

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

• Dissolve the contents of a package in a glass of water (125ml) to take this medication. For constipation, one sachet should be used one to three times a day. For faecal impaction, the usual dose is eight sachets to be taken within a six hour time frame (all eight sachets may be dissolved in one litre of water, see patient information leaflet for detailed instructions).
• Use this medication for the duration of prescription, and as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist in order to get the most benefit from it.
• Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor.
• Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

• Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

• Macrogol compound has no influence on the ability to drive or use machines.

When can I stop?

• Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

MACROGOL COMPOUND NPF SIDE EFFECTS

• Allergic reaction (rash, itching, shortness of breath)
• Changes in your body's fluid or electrolyte levels (swollen ankles, other swelling, fatigue, dehydration, increased thirst with headache)
• Abdominal pain
• Mild diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swollen abdomen
• Stomach rumbling

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• signs of an allergic reaction; signs of a change in your body's fluid or electrolyte levels.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine (which includes vaccines, herbals and over the counter medicines) that you are taking. It is run by the medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency (MHRA). Please report any suspected side effect on the Yellow Card Scheme website.

MACROGOL COMPOUND NPF PRECAUTIONS

Before taking macrogol compound, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other laxatives; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blockage of the intestine, perforation in the intestine, paralysis of the intestine, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, toxic megacolon, patients with allergies to any of the ingredients.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following: intestinal obstruction or perforation, severe inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract, allergies to macrogol compound or any of the other ingredients.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Alcohol intake does not appear to affect this drug.

The elderly: macrogol compound can be used in the elderly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

Macrogol compound is not safe to take if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Macrogol compound is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

MACROGOL COMPOUND NPF INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Other medicines should not be taken orally for one hour before and for one hour after taking macrogol compound.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using macrogol compound, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

MACROGOL COMPOUND NPF OVERDOSE

If you take more macrogol compound than you should, you may experience severe pains and swelling in your abdomen, or vomiting or diarrhoea. If this happens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of Macrogol compound or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.