Molaxole is an osmotic laxative with exactly the same constituents and adult indications as Movicol, but less expensive.
Molaxole is indicated for the treatment of constipation and faecal impaction. The active ingredient is Macrogol 3350 which is clinically proven as the most effective laxative available. This is also the active ingredient in Movicol. It is available in 20 and 30 sachet packs. Molaxole is suitable for persons over the age of 12 years.
Dosage and Administration:
Chronic constipation :
Adults: 1-3 sachets daily in divided doses. Normal dose for most patients is 1-2 sachets per day. Depending on the individual response 3 sachets per day might be needed.
A course of treatment for constipation does not normally exceed two weeks, although this can be repeated if required.
For extended use, the lowest effective dose should be used.
Children:
Not recommended for children below 12 years old.
Faecal impaction:
Adults: 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within a 6 hour period.
A course of treatment for faecal impaction does not normally exceed 3 days.
Children:
Not recommended for children below 12 years old.
Administration:
Each sachet should be dissolved in 125 ml water. For use in faecal impaction 8 sachets may be dissolved in 1 litre of water.
Patients with impaired cardiovascular function:
For the treatment of faecal impaction the dose should be divided so that no more than two sachets are taken in any one hour.
Patients with renal insufficiency:
No dosage change is necessary for treatment of either constipation or faecal impaction.
Each sachet contains following active substances:
Macrogol 3350 13.125 g
Sodium chloride 350.7 mg
Potassium chloride 46.6 mg
Sodium hydrogen carbonate 178.5 mg
Macrogol 3350 13.125g
The cause of constipation should be investigated if daily use of laxatives is necessary. Patients using this preparation should seek medical advice if there is no improvement after two weeks.
Long term use can be necessary in serious chronical or refractory constipation due to i.e. multiple sclerosis MS or Parkinson's disease, or constipation induced by drugs, especially opioides or antimuscarine products.
If patients develop any symptoms indicating shifts of fluid/electrolytes (e.g. oedema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure) Molaxole should be stopped immediately and electrolytes measured, and any abnormality should be treated appropriately.
There is no clinical data on the use of Molaxole in children, therefore it is not recommended.