What are Movicol sachets?
Movicol sachets are a gentle way to ease constipation or faecal impaction. Dissolve the sachets in water to create a laxative drink that will help you to have a comfortable bowel movement. This won’t cause any loss in water or electrolytes in your body, preventing dehydration while helping to clear your constipation. These sachets are lemon and lime flavoured.
What is constipation?
Constipation means that you are unable to poo as often as usual or find that your poo is harder to pass than usual. When you have constipation, you may also experience other symptoms, like feeling sick, bloating, and wind. Some of the most common causes of constipation include:
- Not eating enough fibre
- A change in your diet
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not being active enough, or not exercising
- Ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
- Some medications
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
How will Movicol ease my constipation?
Movicol works by attracting more water into your bowel, softening any poo and bulking it up. When the poo becomes softer and expands, this stimulates the nerves in your bowel, causing contractions that help to move the poo through your bowel and out. This helps to ease constipation and faecal impaction gently and naturally.
Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Movicol. This especially applies if you are taking anti-epileptics, as they may not work as effectively while you’re taking this product.
Can I take this product if I’m pregnant?
Movicol can be taken during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, you should speak to your doctor before taking this or any other medication at this time, to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
How to take this product
Dissolve each sachet of Movicol Plain in 125ml (1/4 pint) of water stir until all the powder has dissolved, the solution should be clear or slightly hazy. Drink right away. Do this at any time, with or without food, and make sure to continue to drink plenty of fluids as you continue treatment. If you are treating constipation or faecal impaction, follow these guidelines unless advised otherwise by your doctor or pharmacist:
- For constipation: Take one sachet 1 – 3 times a day, depending on the severity of your constipation. Treatment will usually last for around 2 weeks if you need to take it for longer speak to your doctor
- For faecal impaction: Take eight sachets a day, made up as recommended and drank within 6 hours. For sake of ease, you may wish to dissolve the eight sachets in one litre of water. Do this for up to 3 days, if required. If you have a heart condition, do not take more than 2 sachets in one hour
When should this product not be used?
Movicol plain is not suitable for children younger than 12. Do not take this product if you are allergic to macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium chloride, or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take this product if you have:
- A blockage in your intestine, e.g. gut obstruction, paralysis of the intestine (ileus)
- A perforated gut wall
- Severe inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, toxic megacolon
Does Movicol powder have side effects?
Like all medications, Movicol can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects, you may be having a serious allergic reaction and should stop use and seek medical help immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, etc.
Other side effects you may experience while taking this product include:
- Allergic reaction, e.g. skin rash, itching, reddening of the skin, nettle rash
- Swollen hands, feet, or ankles
- Headaches
- High and low levels of potassium in the blood
- Digestion problems which will usually improve if you reduce the amount of Movicol you take, e.g. bloating, wind, stomach ache or rumbles, feeling or being sick, mild diarrhoea, soreness of the bottom
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please
If you are concerned about addiction to ‘over the counter’ medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
