Macrogol is a drug to treat constipation or difficult bowel movements. In addition, macrogol can also be used to clean the intestines before colonoscopy procedures and bowel surgery.
Macrogol or polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxativeosmotic laxative). Macrogol works by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines, so stools or stools become softer and easier to expel. In addition, this drug will also stimulate muscle movement in the digestive tract to push feces out.
Macrogol trademark: Daylax, Microlax, Niflec, Rectolax
What is Macrogol
| group | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Category | Purgative |
| Benefit | Treating constipation or constipation, and to empty the intestines before bowel surgery procedures and colonoscopy examinations. |
| Used by | Adults and children 4 years old |
| Macrogol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not yet known whether macrogol can be absorbed into breast milk or not. So far, macrogol is safe for use by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. However, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before using this drug. |
| Medicine Form | Enema powder and liquid |
Precautions Before Using Macrogol
Macrogol should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things to consider before using this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about your history of allergies. Macrogol should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have intestinal obstruction, colitis, tear or perforation of the digestive tract, or toxic megacolon. Macrogol should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Do not give macrogol to children under 2 years old, because it can increase the risk of dehydration, lower blood sugar levels, low potassium levels.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or are experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting, or severe stomach pain.
- Talk to your doctor about using macrogol if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor first if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Call your doctor right away if you experience an allergic reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using macrogol.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Macrogol
Macrogol or polyethylene glycol consists of macrogol 4000 and polyethylene glycol 3350. Macrogol 4000 is not intended for children under 8 years of age.
The dose of macrogol can be different for each person, depending on the form of the drug, age, and the purpose of its use. The following is the dosage of macrogol which is divided according to the form of the drug:
Powdered macrogol
Purpose: Overcoming constipation
- Mature: 10–20 grams dissolved in a glass of water, taken 1 time a day, with a duration or duration of treatment of up to 1 week.
- Children aged 8 years: 8.5–10 mg dissolved in a glass of water, taken once a day, with a maximum duration of treatment up to 3 months.
Purpose: Emptying the bowel before a colonoscopy procedure
- Mature: 240 ml of macrogol solution, every 10 minutes until the contents of the intestine are empty. This laxative is taken the night before the colonoscopy procedure or on the day of the procedure. The maximum dose is 4 liters of macrogol solution.
Macrogol enema
Purpose: Overcoming constipation
- Adults and children: 1 bottle of macrogol enema is inserted into the rectum using the applicator.
Purpose: Emptying the bowel before a colonoscopy procedure
- Adults and children: 1 bottle of macrogol enema is inserted into the rectum using the applicator. Use at night before the colonoscopy is performed or a few hours before the procedure.
How to Use Macrogol Correctly
Read the information listed on the drug packaging label and follow the instructions for use given by the doctor. Do not reduce or increase the dose, and use this medicine for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Macrogol in powder form must first be dissolved in 120-240 ml of plain water. Once dissolved, this drug can be taken as a solution in general.
Macrogol in the form of an enema is used through the rectum or anus. Insert the tip of the enema bottle slowly into the rectum and press the enema bottle until the contents of the medicine package are used up. When all the liquid medicine has entered, slowly remove the tip of the bottle.
Remain lying down for a few minutes, usually 5–30 minutes, until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. If you feel the urge to defecate, go to the toilet immediately.
Store macrogol medicine in a closed container in a room with a cool temperature. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Macrogol Interactions with Other Drugs
The effects of drug interactions that can occur if macrogol is used with certain drugs are:
- Increased risk of colitis when used with bisacodyl
- Decreased effectiveness of macrogol when used with amiodarone, amantadine, amlodipine, or amitriptyline
- Decreased effectiveness of phenytoin or digoxin
Macrogol Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can appear after using macrogol are:
- Heartburn, flatulence, or stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness or headache
- Irritation or discomfort in the anus
The above side effects will generally improve after you have a bowel movement. Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Severe diarrhea that doesn't go away
- Severe stomach ache
- Bloody stools or bleeding anus and rectum
