Macrogol
About Macrogol
Macrogol is used to treat constipation. It may also be indicated before a colonoscopy (a test to see into your bowels) to help clear your bowels. Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements with faeces that are frequently dry, uncomfortable, and difficult to pass.
Macrogol includes Macrogol, which works by drawing water from the rest of your body into your gut, causing your stool to become slightly larger and softer. Thereby, Macrogol helps provide relief from constipation.
Take it as directed by your physician. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach pain, bloating, wind, and feeling sick. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Macrogol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Macrogol for more than a week at a time because it may cause dependence on Macrogol for bowel movements. Inform your doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your bowel movements that last more than two weeks. Macrogol should be given to children only if advised by the doctor.
Uses of Macrogol
Medicinal Benefits
Macrogol belongs to the group of medicines called osmatic laxatives used to treat constipation. It contains Macrogol which works by drawing water from the rest of your body into your gut, causing your stool to become slightly larger and softer. Macrogol may also be indicated before a colonoscopy (a test to see into your bowels) to help clear your bowels.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Macrogol
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain or aches
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating and wind
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Drug Warnings
Consult your doctor before taking Macrogol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Macrogol for more than a week at a time because it may cause dependence on Macrogol for bowel movements. Inform your doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your bowel movements that last more than two weeks. Macrogol should be administered with caution to children if advised by the doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Macrogol may interact with medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, sodium valproate, carbamazepine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Let your doctor know if you have intestinal perforation, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal obstruction and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interactions were found/established.
Pregnancy
cautionMacrogol should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed, and benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionMacrogol should be used in breastfeeding mothers only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedMacrogol does not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available about the use of Macrogol in patients with liver illness or impairment. So, please consult your doctor before taking Macrogol if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Macrogol to you.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available about the use of Macrogol in patients with kidney illness or impairment. So, please consult your doctor before taking Macrogol if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Macrogol to you.
Children
cautionMacrogol to be used with caution in children below the age of 12. Your doctor adjusts the dose depending upon the age. Please consult the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Try to eat a well-balanced diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water and fluids.
Maintain your fitness by exercising regularly.
Get enough rest.
Make an effort to clear your bowels whenever your body tells you to.
Consume fibre-rich foods, including whole-wheat bread, oats, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, and pears), and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements. Stools are frequently dry, painful, and difficult to pass. Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week. However, bowel patterns can vary from person to person. Bloating, abdominal pain and the sensation that the bowel movement is incomplete are some of the symptoms. Constipation occurs when the normal muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, resulting in the incomplete elimination of the bowel from the body. A sudden change in diet, a low-fibre diet, not drinking enough liquids, a lack of exercise, and loss of tone in the bowel muscles in older people can cause constipation.
FAQs
Macrogol belongs to the group of medicines called osmatic laxatives used to treat constipation. It may also be indicated before a colonoscopy (a test to see into your bowels) to help clear your bowels.
Macrogol works by drawing water from the rest of your body into your gut, causing your stool to become slightly larger and softer.
Diarrhoea is one of the most common side effects with Macrogol. It does not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take antidiarrheal medicine on your own.
Consult your doctor before taking Macrogol with other medications since Macrogol may increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, which may interfere with the absorption of other orally delivered medications taken concurrently.
Macrogol may also be indicated before a colonoscopy (a test to see into your bowels) to help clear your bowels.
The main purpose of Macrogol, also known as polyethylene glycol (PEG), is to relieve constipation. It belongs to a group of medications called osmatic laxatives. These medications work by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool and increasing its volume, making bowel movements easier and more regular.
Macrogol cannot directly treat constipation. It can treat constipation only in addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet like regular physical activity, adequate hydration, small, balanced meals, fibre-rich foods like oats and brown rice, fruits and vegetables to promote healthier digestion.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and products containing propylene glycol while taking Macrogol and for at least 3 days after the last dose because it may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, severe stomach upset/cramps, headache, and flushing.
Macrogol should be taken by pregnant women only if the doctor has prescribed it. Consult the doctor before taking Macrogol if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Macrogol does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience any side effects like fatigue or dizziness, it is best to avoid such activities until you feel fully alert and capable.
Macrogol should be taken for as long as the doctor has prescribed it depending on your medical condition.
Though there is no known interaction between Macrogol and alcohol, it is advised to limit alcohol consumption as it might worsen constipation.
