Movicol

Movicol is a brand-name laxative manufactured by Norgine.

Each sachet of this medicine contains macrogol (polyethylene glycol) 3350, an iso-osmotic laxative, along with sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. Electrolytes are included to help mitigate the possibility of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. The contents of the sachets are mixed with water to make a drink.The range of Movicol includes Movicol Junior, Movicol-Half, Movicol Chocolate and Movicol Plain. Movicol is currently the largest selling laxative in the world in value terms.

Macrogol is an inert substance that passes through the gut without being absorbed into the body. It relieves constipation because it causes the water it is taken with, to be retained in the bowel instead of being absorbed into the body. This increases the water content and volume of the stools in the bowel, making them softer and easier to pass. According to new guidelines previewed in a story at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine (where one of the neurologists had been involved in establishing the new guidelines), isosmotic macrogol can be used to treat constipation in Parkinson's Disease patients (it is an often-overlooked non-motor symptom).

See also

• Lactulose

External links

• Drug description at netdoctor.com

• Drug description on manufacturer's web-site