Movicol

Movicol is a laxative treatment used to relieve constipation. It contains the ingredient macrogol, which is an osmotic laxative. It comes in sachets of powder that mix with water to create a solution that you drink.

What is it used for?

The treatment is used to relieve difficulty passing stools, a condition more commonly known as constipation. In addition, Movicol is also often used to clear fecal impaction – buildups of hard stool in the bowel that can form if you’ve been constipated for a very long time.

How does Movicol work?

It works differently to most other constipation treatments. Most laxative treatments are known as stimulant laxatives, and move stools through your digestive system by making the muscles in the colon contract.

Macrogol, the active ingredient in it, is instead a bulk-forming laxative. It works by making stools slightly bigger and softer, which helps them travel through the bowels more easily.

How long does it take to work?

Depending on how severe your constipation is, Movicol can take up to two days to work.