What is Macrogol?

We all know Movicol^® provides comfortable, effective relief from constipation – but how? The key ingredient is something called macrogol, which gets to work on redirecting water to the dehydrated stools that cause constipation. So just what is macrogol? 

Macrogol -otherwise known as polyethylene glycol – is an osmotic laxative which helps to relieve stubborn stools by drawing water from the rest of the body into your bowel, where it hydrates your poo to make it bigger, softer and easier to pass.  

Let’s take a closer look at some of the properties of macrogol, and how it compares with other laxatives. 

Both macrogol and lactulose are osmotic laxatives that are taken orally, but there are some distinct differences between the two.  

Most importantly, a number of studies have found macrogol to be more effective than lactulose, with better outcomes in terms of stool frequency per week and stool consistency.

Macrogol is also easier to obtain as it can be bought outside pharmacy, unlike lactulose which requires a visit to a pharmacy or a prescription from a doctor.  

Macrogol is generally well tolerated by the vast majority of people, including the elderly and those who are pregnant*.  

There are also some groups of people that should avoid macrogol altogether: 

• people who have previously had an allergic reaction to macrogol  

• people who have ulcerative colitis  

• people who have Crohn’s disease  

• people with a hole or breakage (perforation) in the wall of their intestine or a rare condition named toxic mecagolon 

• people receiving treatment for heart failure, or who have an irregular heartbeat 

• people on a low-salt (low-sodium) diet particularly if they need 3 or more sachets daily 

• and people who have a blockage in the intestine 

Macrogol works by drawing water into the bowel, and then into dry, stubborn stools, so that they become bigger, softer and more easily able to travel through the digestive system. Because of the speed of this process – and the digestive system itself – macrogol generally takes effect within 1-2 days.  

There are a number of potential side effects of macrogol, including: 

• diarrhoea  

• stomach pain 

• bloating/flatulence 

• nausea 

• vomiting 

• soreness around the anus 

More serious – but less frequent – side effects can result from an electrolyte imbalance that can arise after taking macrogol over a protracted period of time: 

• severe diarrhoea 

• uncharacteristic tiredness 

• shortness of breath 

• oedema (swollen ankles, feet or legs) 

• dehydration 

• heart failure 

• hyperkalaemia or hypokalaemia

If you experience any of the above, then contact a medical professional for further advice immediately. 

In very rare cases, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction – known as anaphylaxis – to macrogol, which can include symptoms such as your lips, mouth, throat and tongue suddenly becoming swollen, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness and fainting. If any of these occur, it is important to call the emergency services immediately.  

Movicol^® Ease is only indicated for occasional constipation and should not be used for more than 5 days. 

One of the benefits of treating your constipation with macrogol is that there is no such thing as a ‘best time to take macrogol’ – you can simply take it at any time of day or night, and carry on eating and drinking normally while doing so. 

You should take 1-3 sachets daily in divided doses, according to individual response. 

However, it is advisable to cut down on fatty, carbohydrate-rich foods that can contribute to constipation, such as pastries, cheese, cakes and sugary sweets. It’s also a very good idea to drink more water; this will help shift your stubborn stool by ensuring that you are hydrated, so there is plenty of water for macrogol to ‘bind’ with and absorb into your poo.

In short Macrogol is one of the active ingredients and Movicol is the brand name.  

Movicol^® is a powder that can be mixed with water to create a drink that provides gentle, effective relief from constipation in 24- 48 hours. So when you’ve tried everything else to shift your stubborn stool and nothing’s working, try Movicol to help get things moving again.  

Movicol^® Ease Powder for oral solution contains macrogol. For constipation. Always read the label. 

*Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.