Macrogol: Treatment Of Chronic Constipation
Today we will tell you more about the use of Macrogol for the treatment of chronic constipation. Macrogol is a pharmaceutical laxative that has an effect due to its osmotic action on the gut.
Its mechanism of action increases the faecal volume and stimulates the motility of the colon. Given this osmotic effect, the transport of softened stool improves, facilitating bowel movements. However, it is best to administer Macrogol for as short a time as possible to avoid side effects.
Do not treat this substance as a solution. This is very important. Rather, it is simply a tool as patients also need to implement a series of hygiene and dietary changes in their lifestyle. Among these changes we can mention an increase in the intake of liquids and the consumption of dietary fiber.
In addition, it is important to note that regular exercise and restoring one’s defecation habits are also important. Without these changes, using Macrogol to treat chronic constipation will not get to the root of the problem.
What dosage should I take?
Patients can take Macrogol at any time of the day, along with food and drink, or without. As for the exact dosage, it depends on the severity of the problem.
Once you start taking Macrogol, you should start decreasing the dose after two days. If the constipation is chronic, the usual adult dose is one sachet, one to three times a day. In most cases, one or two sachets per day are sufficient.
Depending on the body’s response and each person’s situation, individuals can take up to three sachets per day. The treatment lasts an average of three weeks. If symptoms persist after this period, patients should consult a physician.
When it comes to using Macrogol in the treatment of fecal impaction, the dosage is higher. More specifically, patients can take up to 8 sachets in a 6 hour period for up to 3 days. After you prepare the solution, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to six hours.
How should I take Macrogol?
To prepare Macrogol, you must dissolve the contents of one sachet in half a glass of water and take it immediately. However, when treating faecal impaction, it is easier to dissolve all 8 sachets in a liter of water.
If necessary, you can increase the dose to 2 sachets per day. However, it is best to wait a few days to see if the results are positive before increasing the dosage. The effects of Macrogol begin to appear 24 to 48 hours after administration.
What Are the Side Effects of Macrogol?
This drug may cause side effects classified according to their frequency:
- Very rare side effects: Anaphylactic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat and face are rare. The same applies in the case of hypersensitivity in the form of skin reactions.
- Very frequent: these side effects occur at high doses, which can lead to diarrhoea. However, they usually disappear one or two days after Macrogol is stopped.
- Frequent reactions: These can be abdominal pain or bloating.
Contraindications and Interactions with Macrogol
Among the contraindications of Macrogol for the treatment of chronic constipation and fecal impaction are the following:
- Children under 12 years old.
- The presence of a perforation in the intestinal wall.
- Small bowel obstruction.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases.
Furthermore, Macrogol is not recommended for patients who are hypersensitive to it or who suffer from:
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Toxic megacolon
As for the interaction with other medications, do not take any other medication one hour before or one hour after taking Macrogol.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should consult your doctor before taking Macrogol. In addition, you should talk to a specialist before taking Macrogol while breastfeeding.
Constipation Requires More Than Just Medication
The use of laxatives and the amount you should take depends, among other things, on the severity of the constipation. Experts recommend osmotic drugs for their tolerance and safety. However, if they do not go hand in hand with a change in habits, diet and physical activity, they will not be effective on their own.
