Generic Name

Macrogol + Electrolytes (Potassium Chloride + Sodium Bicarbonate + Sodium Chloride)

Precaution

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

Indication

Constipation, faecal impaction.

Contra Indication

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

Dose

N/A

Side Effect

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

Pregnancy Category

Mode of Action

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.

Interaction

N/A

Pregnancy Category Note

N/A

Adult Dose

Oral Adult: Constipation: 25 mL of oral solution added to 100 mL of water, Once daily (to make a total volume of 125 mL). This may be increased to 2 – 3 doses if required according to individual response. Fecal Impaction: 8 doses of 25 mL daily (each 25 mL dose added to 100 mL of water). A course of treatment for faecal impaction does not normally exceed 3 days. 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.

Child Dose

Children (12 -18 years): 25 mL of oral solution added to 100 mL of water, Once daily (to make a total volume of 125 mL).

Renal Dose

N/A

Administration

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