What is constipation?⁷

Constipation means something slightly different to each person. To some, constipation means having infrequent bowel movements. To others, it means having difficult-to-pass or hard stools that cause straining. Others have a feeling of incomplete emptying of their bowel after a bowel movement.

What causes constipation?⁷

Poor diet and lack of exercise as well as certain health conditions and use of certain medications can cause constipation. Visit our Tips Page for more information about diet and lifestyle changes that promote regular bowel movements.

Diet and lifestyle change tips

What is chronic constipation?⁷

Chronic constipation refers to when someone has constipation for a long period of time. Chronic constipation lasts for more than three months, and can sometimes continue for years.

Who can get chronic constipation?⁷

People that are at a higher risk of getting chronic constipation are:

• Females
• Women who are pregnant
• People over the age of 65
• People who don’t do any physical activity or who are confined to bed

What can cause chronic constipation?⁷

Poor diet and lack of exercise as well as certain health conditions and use of certain medications can cause constipation.

What types of health conditions can cause chronic constipation?⁷

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and stroke
• Depression, eating disorders and anxiety
• Diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome

What types of medications can cause chronic constipation?^7,8

Certain pain killers
Medicines that are used to inhibit the nervous system for illnesses such as:

• Overactive bladder syndrome
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Motion sickness
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peptic ulcers
• Respiratory conditions e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Calcium channel blockers
Tricylic antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Diuretics
Antacids
Calcium supplements
Anti-diarrheal agents
Antihistamines

If you suspect that the medication you are using or the condition that you have may be causing constipation please consult your healthcare professional.

Speak to your healthcare professional if you become constipated during your pregnancy.

Why is constipation very common in women during pregnancy?⁹

Constipation in pregnancy can be caused by:

• Hormones: Changes in hormone levels in early pregnancy cause the intestines to slow down the movement of the stool through the bowel causing the colon to absorb more water from the stool. The stool then becomes more solid and difficult to pass.
• Prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins contain a lot of iron which can sometimes be deficient during pregnancy. Iron can cause constipation.
• Pressure from the uterus: In later pregnancy, the growing uterus can put pressure on the bowel, making it harder to move stool through the intestines.

What can I do if I get constipation whilst I’m pregnant?⁹

• Ensure that you get enough fibre in your diet by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drink enough water
• Get regular exercise, with your doctor’s approval
• Use gentle laxatives. It’s best to avoid stimulant laxatives as they can cause uterine contractions.

MOVICOL is suitable to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What is MOVICOL?

MOVICOL is a laxative used for the relief of chronic constipation. MOVICOL contains macrogol and electrolytes to minimise the loss of fluid and minerals.

*If patients develop any symptoms indicating shifts of fluids/electrolytes (e.g. oedema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure) MOVICOL should be stopped immediately and electrolytes measured and any abnormality should be treated appropriately.

MOVICOL is available in power sachets that need to be mixed with water.

What type of laxative is MOVICOL?

Movicol is an iso-osmotic laxative. These types of laxatives pull large amounts of water into the large intestine, making the stool soft and loose.¹

How does MOVICOL work?

MOVICOL’S 4-in-1 action works with the body to provide effective, comfortable relief of chronic constipation.¹

1. Swells – The water retained by MOVICOL helps to increase the stool volume.
2. Softens – The water retained by MOVICOL softens the stool.¹
3. Stimulates – The increased stool water stretches the walls of the intestines which triggers colon motility.¹
4. Glides – The softened stools make a comfortable bowel movement possible.

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Who can use MOVICOL?

• Adults
• The elderly
• Children over 12 years of age (adolescents).

MOVICOL is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.

Aspen Pharmacare offers PEGICOL for children from 2 years of age to 11 years of age.

Special populations:

• Individuals who have renal insufficiency

Is MOVICOL suitable to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes, MOVICOL is suitable to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How do I use MOVICOL?

Adults and adolescents: 1 to 3 sachets daily in divided doses, according to individual response, each sachet reconstituted in 125 ml water and taken orally for no more than two weeks.

Elderly: 1 to 3 sachets daily in divided doses, according to individual response.

For extended use, if recommended by a doctor, the dose can be adjusted down to 1 or 2 sachets daily, in divided doses each reconstituted with 125 ml water and taken orally.

Where can I buy MOVICOL?

MOVICOL is available at most pharmacies and retail stores.

How long can I use MOVICOL for?

A course of MOVICOL normally doesn’t exceed two weeks, although this can be repeated if required.

If you suffer from severe chronic or resistant constipation and need to use MOVICOL for longer than two weeks you can do so on the recommendation of your doctor.

How long does it take for MOVICOL to work?

The action of laxative action of MOVICOL has a time course that varies from person to person depending on the severity of the constipation being treated.

How much does MOVICOL cost?

MOVICOL may cost different prices at different pharmacies or retailers so it’s best to check with your store or online store.

How does MOVICOL taste?

MOVICOL Original has a flavour and odour of lemon and lime.