Macolax

Constipation, faecal impaction.

Dissolve the contents of one sachet in 125 mL of water then drink it.

Oral Adult: Constipation: 1 sachet daily, increasing to 2 or 3 sachets daily if necessary. Faecal impaction: 8 sachets a day for no more than 3 days.

Not recommended for children less than 12 years of age.

GI obstruction or perforation, paralytic ileus, gastric retention, severe inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract (eg, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon).

Sodium chloride is the major extracellular cation. It is important in electrolyte and fluid balance, osmotic pressure control and water distribution as it restores sodium ions. It is used as a source of electrolytes and water for hydration, treatment of metabolic acidosis, priming solution in haemodialysis and treatment of hyperosmolar diabetes. It is also used as diluents for infusion of compatible drug additives. Potassium chloride is a major cation of the intracellular fluid. It plays an active role in the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain and skeletal muscle; contraction of cardiac skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function, acid-base balance, carbohydrate metabolism and gastric secretion. Sodium bicarbonate raises blood and urinary pH by dissociation to provide bicarbonate ions, which neutralises the hydrogen ion concentration. It also neutralises gastric acid via production of carbon dioxide. Polyethylene glycol : Osmotic laxative; causes water retention in stool, causing increase in stool frequency.

Impaired gag reflex, reflux oesophagitis, impaired consciousness. Discontinue if symptoms of fluid or electrolyte disturbance occur. pregnancy and lactation.

Abdominal pain or distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, borborygmi, flatulence, anal discomfort, headache. Rarely, allergic reactions.