Macrogols

About macrogols

Before taking macrogols

Before taking macrogols make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from severe inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon.
• If you suffer from paralytic ileus.
• If you suffer from any blockages of the bowel other than normal constipation.
• If you have problems with your heart, circulation or kidneys.
• If you suffer from reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux) or any problems swallowing.
• If you have diabetes mellitus.
• If you are unable to produce enough glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

• Macrogol bowel cleansing solutions are not suitable for use in children.

How to take macrogols

• Take your medication exactly as you have been directed by your doctor.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. It will tell you how to prepare your dose and how long the solution can be kept after mixing.
• Once mixed with water, the solution may be chilled in the fridge before drinking, but any left over should be discarded after the time recommended in the manufacturer's instructions.
  
  
• For constipation: Your doctor will tell you how many sachets to take for each dose. Stir the contents of each sachet into water before taking. The information leaflet that comes with your sachets will tell you how much water to use.
  
  
• For bowel cleansing: Your doctor will tell you how many sachets to make up into a solution and when to drink it. Follow the printed instructions you have been given carefully. Do not eat anything from about two hours before you start taking this preparation.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you are taking macrogols for constipation
• Many people take laxatives when they do not need to, because they believe that they should go to the toilet every day. This is not the case as for many people it is normal not to go every day.
• To prevent constipation it is important to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre (whole grain breads, cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables). Drink plenty of fluids, 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, and take some daily exercise.
• For people who have problems with constipation, food such as pastries, puddings, sugar, sweets, cheese and cake can make matters worse.
• Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body, causing dehydration.
  
  If you are taking macrogols for bowel cleansing
• The preparation will start to work after an hour or two, so stay near a toilet.
• If you have any questions about taking your preparation, contact the hospital department where you are receiving the treatment for advice.

Can macrogols cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Tummy pain, bloating, feeling or being sick.

Important: If you develop any swelling of the mouth or face, speak with your doctor straight away or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store macrogols

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines