Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes at a glance
Medicine class
Osmotic laxative with electrolytes.
Main uses
Constipation and confirmed faecal impaction.
What is Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Chronic constipation in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over using selected adult formulations.
Chronic constipation in children: the selected paediatric plain product is licensed from age 1 and the selected paediatric chocolate product from age 2.
Faecal impaction with faecal loading of the rectum and/or colon. Selected paediatric products are licensed for this from age 5.
How does Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes work?
Macrogol 3350 largely remains in the gut and holds water there. This softens and increases the volume of stool, promoting movement through the colon. The electrolytes are designed to limit net changes in sodium, potassium and water during normal use.
How to take Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes
Follow the instructions for the exact product because preparation differs.
Dissolve powder formulations fully in the specified amount of water before drinking.
The selected ready-to-take oral solution is taken directly from its sachet without dilution.
It may be taken with or without food.
Continue normal fluid intake; prepared medicine does not replace ordinary drinks.
Do not mix macrogol directly with starch-based thickeners. This may thin a prescribed thickened drink and increase aspiration risk in people with swallowing problems.
Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating or abdominal distension
- Wind and bowel noises
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion or anal discomfort
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty or angioedema
- Fluid or electrolyte disturbance, with possible swelling, breathlessness, worsening fatigue, dehydration, muscle weakness or heartbeat changes
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain or distension
Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes in pregnancy
Macrogol can be used during pregnancy. Systemic exposure is negligible, so direct fetal exposure is not expected. A pharmacist, midwife or prescriber should assess persistent or severe constipation and check the formulation is appropriate.
Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes while breastfeeding
Macrogol 3350 can be used while breastfeeding. Its negligible absorption and high molecular weight make transfer into milk and absorption by the infant unlikely. Seek advice if the infant develops diarrhoea, vomiting or unusual irritability; specialist assessment is appropriate for premature or unwell infants.
Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes interactions
Macrogol can temporarily affect absorption of oral medicines and physically interact with some swallowing thickeners.
Other oral medicines
Absorption may be temporarily reduced. Do not take them simultaneously; follow the product leaflet or pharmacist’s instructions on separation.
Common questions about Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this the same as Movicol, Laxido or CosmoCol?
These are brand names used for macrogol products, but formulations, flavours, excipients, preparation instructions and licensed ages can differ. Check the exact packet or leaflet.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.