Molaxole™
(Macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, potassium acesulfame)
Class: laxative – osmotic
Indications: constipation including faecal impaction
Contraindications/cautions: intestinal obstruction or perforation, ileus and severe inflammatory conditions of intestinal tract eg Crohns, cardiac disease (contains sodium and potassium); monitor for fluid imbalance
Adverse reactions: less common: abdominal distension and pain, nausea
Metabolism/clearance: not absorbed
Interactions: few as not absorbed – may affect the absorption of some drugs
| Dosing: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Movicol™, Lax-sachet™: | ||
| constipation | 1 to 3 sachets per day | |
| faecal impaction | 8 sachets per day taken within 6 hours for a max. of 3 days. If cardiovascular problems, do not take more than 2 sachets over any 1 hour | |
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| Movicol-HalfTM: | ||
| constipation | 1 to 6 sachets/day | |
| faecal impaction | 16 sachets/day taken within 6 hours for a max. of 3 days If cardiovascular problems, do not take more than 4 sachets over any 1 hour | |
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Mechanism of action: osmotic action in the gut to increase liquid content of stools but with no net loss of sodium, potassium or water
Onset: faecal impaction: most cleared after 3 days
Notes:
- effective laxative in palliative care
- more acceptable to many than lactulose