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Tips for taking macrogol (movicol)

Your child may have been prescribed macrogol for their constipation. Macrogol laxatives may be sold under a few different brand names such as Movicol, CosmoCol or Laxido.

Information:

This resource should only be followed with medical supervision.

How do I give my child macrogol?

Sachets are packed in pairs. Tear down the perforation, and pour 1 sachet into a cup. Pour in 63ml of water and stir until the solution is clear.

Get jug of water and sachets ready.

Illustration of sachets and jug of water

Rip sachets apart down perforation.

Illustration of ripping sachets

Pour the macrogol powder into a cup.

Illustration of pour powder into cup

Measure out 63ml of water.

Illustration of water jug measured to 63mls

Pour 63ml of water into the cup.

Illustration of pour water into a cup

Stir until the solution dissolves.

Illustration of stirring water

Once the solution is clear, it is now ready to drink.

Illustration of stir water until dissolved

If your child needs 2 sachets, please use 125ml of water.

For more information about how to take macrogol laxatives, please visit the ERIC website or the Medicine for Children website.

What if my child is struggling to drink it?

If you child is struggling to drink the solution, you can try some of the following:

  • add the solution to another drinks they like such as squash, milk, milkshake or hot chocolate. Please avoid giving it to your child in a fizzy drink, but this is okay if it is a last resort.
  • add the solution to a thick smoothie or yoghurt
  • put it in the fridge to cool down will help with the taste. You can also add ice cubes as well.
  • put it in a cup or bottle with a lid
  • give it to your child with a straw as this can help avoid it touching their taste buds
  • freeze it into an ice lolly. To do this, add the solution to a drink they like and freeze it using a mould then place in the freezer.
  • add to purred food such as mashed potato
Information:

The macrogol must be diluted with 63ml of water before adding it to any of the above.

Bristol Stool chart

Please keep track of the stools your child is passing by familiarising yourself with the Bristol Stool chart.

Type 1 is hard lumps or nuts which is hard to pass.

Type 2 is sausage-shaped but still a bit hard and lump.

Type 3 is a sausage-shape but with cracks on the surface.

Type 4 is a sausage or snake that is smooth or soft. This is the most ideal poo type.

Type 5 is soft blobs with clear-cut edges.

Type 6 is fluffy, mushy pieces with ragged edges.

Type 7 is watery with no solids.

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Disclaimer

Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.

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United Kingdom

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