Who can take macrogol
Most adults and children aged 12 years and over, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can take macrogol.
Babies and children under 12 years old can take macrogol with a prescription from a doctor.
Who may not be able to take macrogol
Macrogol is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell a doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to macrogol or any other medicine
- have had a hole or breakage (perforation) in the wall of your intestine
- have ever had a blockage in your intestines or paralysis of the intestine (for example because of intestinal surgery or severe infection)
- have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or a rare condition called toxic megacolon
- need to add thickeners to liquids to help you swallow them
- are being treated for heart failure or an irregular heartbeat – if you are, never take more than 2 full-strength sachets or 4 half-strength sachets in any 1-hour period. Speak to a doctor about how much you can safely take
- have been told you need to follow a low-salt (or low-sodium) diet (especially if you need 3 or more sachets a day for a long time)
Most types of macrogol contain a lot of sodium (sodium is also found in table and cooking salt). Each dose can contain around 10% of your recommended daily amount of sodium.
Important
Do not give macrogol to a child under 12 years old unless a doctor has prescribed it.