Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Macrogol 3350 may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for
Laxido Orange contains macrogol 3350 and the electrolytes sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium chloride. Macrogol 3350 is a laxative used for the treatment of constipation, especially if you have been constipated for a long time. It is also used to treat a build up of hard faeces in your bowel which may be a result of long-term constipation (this is known as faecal impaction). Macrogol 3350 makes your faeces softer and easier to pass, giving you relief from constipation. The electrolytes help to maintain your body's normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while you are being treated for constipation. 2.
What you need to know before you take it
e Laxido Orange
Do not take Laxido Orange:
- if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium chloride, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
- if you have a perforation in the wall of your intestine
- if you have a blockage in your intestine
- if you have paralysis of the intestine (for example, your intestines may stop working due to intestinal surgery or severe infection)
- if you have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or toxic megacolon
1.3.1 Package Leaflet
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If any of these applies to you, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse for further advice. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Laxido Orange to treat faecal impaction, as prior to taking this medicine it should be confirmed that you have this condition. When taking Laxido Orange you should continue to take plenty of fluids. The fluid content of Laxido Orange should not replace your regular liquid intake. Other medicines and Laxido Orange Some medicines, e.g. anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively if they are taken at the same time as Laxido Orange. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. You should not take any other medicines by mouth for one hour before and for one hour after taking Laxido Orange. If you need to thicken fluids in order to swallow them safely, Laxido Orange may counteract the effect of the thickener. Laxido Orange with food and drink Food and drink have no influence on the effect of Laxido Orange. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Laxido Orange can be taken during pregnancy and whilst breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Laxido Orange has no effect on the ability to drive or use machines. Laxido Orange contains potassium and sodium Laxido Orange contains 0.68mmol (26mg) of potassium per sachet. This should be taken into consideration if you take more than one sachet daily and you have reduced kidney function, or if you are on a controlled potassium diet. This medicine contains 187mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each sachet. This is equivalent to approximately 9% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need three or more sachets daily for a prolonged period, especially if you have been advised to follow a low salt (sodium) diet. 3.
How to take it
Laxido Orange
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse have told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure. Laxido Orange should be taken orally. Laxido Orange is a laxative for the treatment of constipation and faecal impaction in adults, children (aged 12 years and above) and the elderly.
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Constipation The usual dose for constipation is one sachet taken one to three times daily. Faecal impaction The usual dose for faecal impaction is eight sachets daily. All eight sachets must be taken within a six hour period. If you have a heart condition, do not take more than two sachets (in 250ml of water) in any one hour. How to mix Laxido Orange should be made up by dissolving the contents of one sachet in a glass of water (125ml or a quarter pint). Stir well until all the powder has dissolved. If you are being treated for faecal impaction, you can dissolve the contents of all eight sachets together in a large container (in one litre of water). Duration of treatment Constipation The course of treatment for constipation does not normally last longer than 2 weeks. Your treatment may last for longer than two weeks if you have ongoing constipation, or a disease that causes constipation (such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis), or if you are taking other regular medicines that can cause constipation. In these cases, your doctor may reduce your dose to one sachet taken one or two times daily. Faecal impaction The course of treatment for faecal impaction does not normally last longer than 3 days. If you take more Laxido Orange than you should You may experience severe pains and swelling in your abdomen, or vomiting or diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. If this occurs, stop taking Laxido Orange and drink plenty of fluids. If you are worried contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take Laxido Orange If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Laxido Orange To get the most benefit from Laxido Orange, always finish the course of treatment recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. This will make sure that your constipation is cleared, otherwise the symptoms you are suffering from may persist. You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 14 days for chronic constipation, or after 3 days for faecal impaction. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
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4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Laxido Orange and see your doctor immediately: –
signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty in breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
–
signs of an allergy, such as a rash, reddening of the skin, nettle rash, itching or shortness of breath
–
signs of a change in your body's fluid or electrolyte levels, such as swelling (mainly in the ankles), feeling fatigued, dehydration or increased thirst with headache. These symptoms may be a sign that the potassium levels in your blood are higher or lower than normal.
The following side effects are also possible: –
abdominal pain feeling bloated suffering from wind indigestion soreness of the anus (bottom) mild diarrhoea nausea vomiting swelling of your abdomen stomach rumbling
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible
Possible side effects
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme: Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
How to store it
Laxido Orange
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and sachet. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. You should store unopened sachets below 25oC.
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Do not use this medicine if you notice that any of the sachets is damaged. Reconstituted Laxido Orange solution can be covered and stored in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), and should be used within six hours. After six hours, any unused solution should be discarded. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Laxido Orange contains The active substances are macrogol 3350 (13.125g), sodium chloride (350.7mg), sodium hydrogen carbonate (178.5mg) and potassium chloride (46.6mg). The other ingredients are acesulfame potassium (E950) and orange flavour (containing maltodextrin and propylene glycol (E1520)). What Laxido Orange looks like and contents of the pack Laxido Orange is a white powder that is packed in sachets. It has an orange taste and smell. Each sachet contains 13.8g of powder and is packed in cartons containing 2, 8, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 sachets. Not all of these pack sizes are marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Galen Limited Seagoe Industrial Estate Craigavon BT63 5UA UK Manufacturer Almac Pharma Services Limited Almac House 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate Craigavon BT63 5QD UK Almac Pharma Services (Ireland) Limited Finnabair Industrial Estate Dundalk Co Louth A91 P9KD Ireland
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This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: Belgium, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg and United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) – Laxido Orange Finland – Laxido Appelsiini Portugal – Laxido Laranja Sweden – Laxido Apelsin Italy – Laxido This leaflet was last revised in 09/2021. Laxido is a trade mark
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Frequently asked questions about Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution
How do I take Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution?
Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution comes as oral solution. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution?
The active substance in Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution is potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, macrogol 3350.
Are there equivalent medicines to Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: CosmoCol Plain powder for oral solution, Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution, Cosmocol orange flavour powder for oral solution. In total there are 6 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, macrogol 3350
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the treatment of chronic constipation. Laxido Orange is also effective in resolving faecal impaction, defined as refractory constipation with faecal loading of the rectum and/or colon.
Laxido Orange is indicated in adults, adolescents and the elderly.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Laxido Orange is for oral use.
Posology
Chronic Constipation:
A course of treatment for chronic constipation with Laxido Orange does not normally exceed 2 weeks, although this can be repeated if required. As for all laxatives, prolonged use is not usually recommended. Extended use may be necessary in the care of patients with severe chronic or resistant constipation, secondary to multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease, or induced by regular constipating medication in particular opioids and antimuscarinics.
Adults, adolescents and the elderly: 1-3 sachets daily in divided doses, according to individual response. For extended use, the dose can be adjusted down to 1 or 2 sachets daily.
Children below 12 years old: Not recommended.
Faecal Impaction:
A course of treatment for faecal impaction with Laxido Orange does not normally exceed 3 days.
Adults, adolescents and the elderly: 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within a 6 hour period.
Children below 12 years old: Not recommended.
Patients with impaired cardiovascular function: For the treatment of faecal impaction the dose should be divided so that no more than 2 sachets are taken in any one hour.
Patients with renal insufficiency: No dosage change is necessary for the treatment of constipation or faecal impaction.
Method of administration
Each sachet should be dissolved in 125 ml water. For use in faecal impaction, 8 sachets may be dissolved in 1 litre of water.
4.3. Contraindications
Laxido Orange is contraindicated in intestinal obstruction or perforation caused by functional or structural disorder of the gut wall, ileus and in patients with severe inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and toxic megacolon).
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
The fluid content of Laxido Orange when re-constituted with water does not replace regular fluid intake and adequate fluid intake must be maintained.
The faecal impaction diagnosis should be confirmed by appropriate physical or radiological examination of the rectum and abdomen.
Mild adverse drug reactions are possible as indicated in section 4.8. If patients develop any symptoms indicating shifts of fluids/electrolytes (e.g. oedema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure) Laxido Orange should be stopped immediately and electrolytes measured and any abnormality should be treated appropriately.
The absorption of other medicinal products could transiently be reduced due to an increase in gastro-intestinal transit rate induced by Laxido Orange (see section 4.5).
This medicinal product contains 187mg of sodium per sachet, equivalent to approximately 9% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2g sodium for an adult.
When used to treat chronic constipation the maximum daily dose of this product is equivalent to approximately 28% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake for sodium.
Laxido Orange is considered high in sodium. This should be particularly taken into account for those on a low salt diet.
In patients with swallowing problems, who need the addition of a thickener to solutions to enhance an appropriate intake, interactions should be considered, see section 4.5.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Macrogol 3350 raises the solubility of medicinal products that are soluble in alcohol and mainly insoluble in water. It is a theoretical possibility that absorption of other medicinal products could be reduced transiently during use with Laxido Orange (see section 4.4). There have been isolated reports of decreased efficacy with some concomitantly administered medicinal products, e.g. anti-epileptics. Therefore, other medicines should not be taken orally for one hour before and for one hour after taking Laxido Orange.
Laxido Orange may result in a potential interactive effect if used with starch-based food thickeners. The macrogol ingredient counteracts the thickening effect of starch, effectively liquefying preparations that need to remain thick for people with swallowing problems.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are limited amount of data from the use of Laxido Orange in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown indirect reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Clinically, no effects during pregnancy are anticipated, since systemic exposure to macrogol 3350 is negligible.
Laxido Orange can be used during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
No effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of the breast-feeding woman to macrogol 3350 is negligible.
Laxido Orange can be used during breast-feeding.
Fertility
There are no data on the effects of Laxido Orange on fertility in humans. There were no effects on fertility in studies in male and female rats (see section 5.3).
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Laxido Orange has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Reactions related to the gastrointestinal tract occur most commonly.
These reactions may occur as a consequence of expansion of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract, and an increase in motility due to the pharmacologic effects of Laxido Orange. Mild diarrhoea usually responds to dose reduction.
The frequency of the adverse effects is not known as it cannot be estimated from the available data.
System Organ Class
Adverse Event
Immune system disorders
Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, dyspnoea, rash, urticaria, and pruritus.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Erythema
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia.
Nervous system disorders
Headache
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, borborygmi, flatulence, anorectal discomfort.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Peripheral oedema
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme:
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Severe distension or pain can be treated using nasogastric aspiration. Vomiting or diarrhoea may induce extensive fluid loss, possibly leading to electrolyte disturbances that should be treated appropriately.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.