Macrogol
NHS information about the medicine macrogol, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What macrogol is for
Macrogol is used to treat:
- constipation
- a problem where lots of poo becomes dry and stuck in your bowel (faecal impaction)
It's also taken to empty your bowel (often called bowel prep) before having a procedure such as a colonoscopy.
Macrogol is a type of laxative called an osmotic laxative. This means it brings water into your bowel, making your poo softer and easier to pass.
How to take macrogol
Macrogol comes as a powder you mix with water, or as a liquid (oral solution) you drink.
How to take macrogol and how long to take it for depends on the type you have and why you're taking it.
When taking macrogol:
- drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated
- you can take it with or without food
- you can add extra flavouring to make it taste nicer, such as squash
- if you take any other medicines, take them at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking macrogol
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Ask a pharmacist for advice if you have problems giving macrogol to your child. They may be able to suggest different ways to give the medicine.
More advice about giving macrogol to children
- How to give powdered medicines to children (Medicines For Children website)
- How to use macrogol laxatives (ERIC website)
Side effects of macrogol
Like all medicines, macrogol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of macrogol include:
- stomach ache
- bloating
- farting
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
These side effects may get better if you reduce the dose of macrogol.
Macrogol does not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.
Who can and cannot take macrogol
Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take macrogol.
But macrogol is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction to macrogol
- you have a bowel condition such as diverticular disease or Crohn's disease
- you have a kidney or heart condition
- your doctor has advised you to avoid medicines or supplements that contain potassium
- your doctor has advised you to avoid medicines that contain sodium, or limit how much sodium (salt) you have in your diet
Children aged 2 to 11 years old can only have macrogol if it's prescribed. Tell their doctor if they have any health conditions.
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you or your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.
Breastfeeding and macrogol
You can take macrogol while breastfeeding.
It's rare for breast fed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and macrogol
You can take macrogol if you're pregnant.
Taking macrogol with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with macrogol.
For example, macrogol can affect how some medicines for epilepsy work.
Before you take macrogol, check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.
If you take any other medicines, do not take them at the same time as macrogol. Take any other medicines at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking macrogol.
Food, drink and alcohol with macrogol
You can eat and drink as normal while taking macrogol.
It's important to drink plenty of fluid when taking macrogol to avoid dehydration. Although each dose is mixed with water, this passes through your bowel and is not absorbed into your body.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist for advice
