macrogol 4000 at a glance
Medicine class
Osmotic laxative
Licensed use
Constipation in adults and children aged 8 years and over
Form
Apple-flavoured powder dissolved in water before drinking
Expected onset
A bowel movement may occur within 24 to 48 hours
What is macrogol 4000 used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Symptomatic treatment of constipation in adults.
Symptomatic treatment of constipation in children aged 8 years and over.
How does macrogol 4000 work?
Macrogol 4000 holds water in the bowel. This increases unabsorbed fluid, softens stools and supports their passage. It is not significantly absorbed or metabolised after oral use.
macrogol 4000 preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 g
How to take macrogol 4000
Dissolve the sachet contents in approximately 125 mL of water immediately before drinking. The prepared solution should be clear. It can be taken with or without food, and adequate fluid intake should be maintained.
Follow the product leaflet or instructions from the prescriber or pharmacist.
Do not swallow the powder without first dissolving it.
Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about other oral medicines because macrogol can temporarily reduce their absorption.
macrogol 4000 side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Urgency to open the bowels or faecal leakage
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, hives or collapse suggesting a severe allergic reaction
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting with dehydration or electrolyte disturbance
macrogol 4000 in pregnancy
Macrogol 4000 can be used during pregnancy because systemic exposure is expected to be negligible, although pregnancy data for the selected product are limited. Lifestyle measures are usually considered first; ask a pharmacist, midwife or doctor if a laxative is needed or symptoms persist.
macrogol 4000 while breastfeeding
Macrogol 4000 can be used while breastfeeding. Effects in the breastfed infant are not expected because very little, if any, reaches the mother's circulation; seek professional advice if there are concerns about the baby or ongoing constipation.
macrogol 4000 interactions
Faster gastrointestinal transit may temporarily reduce absorption of other oral medicines. This matters most for medicines where small changes in exposure can affect safety or effectiveness.
Antiepileptic medicines
Absorption and seizure control could be affected; concurrent use should be reviewed by a pharmacist or prescriber.
Digoxin
Reduced absorption could alter its therapeutic effect, so concurrent use warrants professional review.
Immunosuppressants
Reduced absorption may lessen treatment exposure; check administration instructions with the specialist team or pharmacist.
Common questions about macrogol 4000
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How quickly does macrogol 4000 work?
Its laxative effect commonly becomes apparent within 24 to 48 hours.
Can children take macrogol 4000?
The selected product is licensed for children aged 8 years and over. A clinician should exclude an underlying organic cause before treatment in a child.
Can macrogol 4000 be taken with food?
Yes. Macrogol can be taken with or without food.
Does macrogol 4000 need to be dissolved in water?
Yes. The selected powder should be completely dissolved in water immediately before it is drunk.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.