Movicol (Sodium Bicarbonate/Potassium Chloride/Sodium Chloride/Macrogol)

Do’s

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions: Always take Movicol exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider regarding dosage, frequency, and duration.
• Mix with water: Dissolve the Movicol powder from the sachet in the recommended amount of water (typically 125ml for adults and 67.5ml for children) before drinking.
• Take with or without food: You can take Movicol at any time, regardless of meals.
• Spread the dose (optional): If prescribed more than one sachet per day, you can spread them out throughout the day, for example, one in the morning and another at night.

Don'ts

• Don't exceed the recommended dosage: Don't take more Movicol than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't use it for extended periods: Unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you otherwise, don't use Movicol for a long time.
• Don't forget to drink fluids: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day while using Movicol to avoid dehydration.
• Don't ignore allergic reactions: If you experience any allergic reactions after taking Movicol, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Common side effects:

• Stomach ache or rumbles
• Allergic reaction
• Feeling bloated or sick
• Diarrhea, especially when starting to take Movicol
• Weakness, breathlessness, extreme thirst with a headache, or puffy ankles
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Headache
• High and low levels of potassium in the blood
• Swollen hands, feet, or ankles
• Skin rash, itching, reddening of the skin, or nettle rash
• Headaches

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen ankles, feet, or legs (edema)
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with symptoms such as sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or tightness in the throat

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Movicol,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

While uncommon, allergic reactions to Movicol can occur. Be aware of symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and discontinue use if you experience them. Seek immediate medical attention.

Long-term use or excessive intake of Movicol can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels. Be cautious if you have heart failure, dehydration, or are taking medications that can affect electrolytes.

Movicol works by drawing water into the stool.  Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration, especially while using Movicol for several days.

Inform your healthcare provider of any underlying medical conditions before using Movicol. This is especially important for conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, or inflammatory bowel disease, as Movicol may not be suitable in all cases.

Movicol can be used for fecal impaction, but consult your healthcare provider first. They can determine the severity and advise on the appropriate treatment plan.

Movicol relieves constipation but doesn't address the underlying cause. If you experience chronic constipation, consult your healthcare provider to identify and address the root cause.

Movicol is not recommended for children under 12 years old. There may be alternative treatments more suitable for younger children.