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.
MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g 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 Macrogol 3350, Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrogen carbonate 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 The name of this medicine is Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g powder for oral solution. It is a laxative for the treatment of chronic constipation in children aged 2 to 11 years and for the treatment of very bad constipation (called faecal impaction) in children aged 5 to 11 years. Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour helps your child to have a comfortable bowel movement even if they have been constipated for a long time.
What you need to know before you take it
e Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour Do not give Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour if your doctor has told you that your child has:
- a blockage in their intestine (gut obstruction, ileus)
- a perforated gut wall
- severe inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or toxic megacolon
- an allergy to the active substances or any of the other ingredients of Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour (listed in section 6).
1
If your child has a heart or kidney problem, an impaired gag reflex or reflux oesophagitis (heart-burn caused by back-flow of stomach contents into the oesophagus), you should talk to your doctor before giving Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour. Warnings and precautions When taking Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour you should continue to take plenty of fluids. The fluid content of Movicol should not replace your regular liquid intake. Other medicines and Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour Tell your doctor if your child is taking or has recently taken or might take any other medicines. Some medicines, e.g. anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively during use with Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour. When taking large volumes of Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour (e.g. for faecal impaction), other medicines may be flushed through your digestive system. Your child should not take any other medicines by mouth together with Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour and for one hour before and for one hour after taking Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour. If you need to thicken fluids in order to swallow them safely, Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour may counteract the effect of the thickener. Pregnancy and breast feeding Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour can be given during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before giving Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour. Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour contains benzyl alcohol Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour contains 7.0 mg of benzyl alcohol per sachet. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions. Do not use for more than a week in young children (less than 3 years old), unless advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if your child has a liver or kidney disease. This is because large amounts of benzyl alcohol can build-up in the body and may cause side effects (called "metabolic acidosis"). Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour contains 93.4 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) per sachet This is equivalent to 4.6% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.
How to take it
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour This medicine can be given at any time with or without food. Dissolve the content of each sachet in 62.5 ml (1/4 of a glass) of water and drink.
2
Chronic Constipation: The dose of Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour depends on the age of the child and their response to treatment.
- As a starting dose, children aged 2 to 6 years should be given 1 sachet (=1 dose) each day.
- Children aged 7 to 11 should be given 2 sachets each day. Your doctor may tell you to increase the number of sachets taken until your child has a soft bowel movement. If the dose does need increasing, this should be done every other day. Normally, no more than 4 sachets are required to be taken in one day. It is not necessary to take all of the drink at one time, if the child prefers it, half the drink can be taken in the morning and half in the evening. Faecal impaction: Before your child takes Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour for faecal impaction, it should be confirmed medically that your child has this condition. A course of treatment with Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is as follows: Age (years) 5-11
Day 1
Number of Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour sachets Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6
4
6
8
10
12
12
Day 7 12
The daily number of sachets should be taken in divided doses, all taken within 12 hours (e.g. 8am – 8pm). Each sachet dissolved in 62.5 ml (1/4 of a glass) of water. Treatment can be stopped when the medicine has worked. This is shown by your child passing large volumes of stool and/or watery diarrhoea. How to mix
- Open the sachet and pour the contents into a glass. Add 1⁄4 glass (about 62.5ml) of water to the glass. Stir well until all the powder has dissolved and the Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour solution is clear or slightly hazy, then give it to your child to drink. If you like you can add a flavour such as orange squash to the drink. Duration of treatment: Chronic constipation: Treatment needs to be for a prolonged period of time, at least 6 – 12 months. Faecal impaction: Treatment with Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour can be for up to 7 days. If your child takes more Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour than they should: Your child may develop excessive diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. If this occurs, stop taking Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour and drink plenty of fluids. If you are worried contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to give Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour: Give the dose as soon as you remember. 3
4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Tell your doctor immediately and stop giving Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour if your child:
- gets a serious allergic reaction which causes difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Very common side effects (more than 1 person in 10)
- stomach pains
- stomach rumbles Common side effects (more than 1 in 100 but less than 1 in 10 people):
- diarrhoea
- vomiting (being sick)
- nausea (feeling sick)
- anal discomfort (uncomfortable sensation around the bottom). If your child is being treated for chronic constipation, diarrhoea will usually improve when the dose is reduced. Uncommon side effects (more than 1 in 1000 but less than 1 in 100 people):
- swollen stomach
- wind Rare side effects (less than 1 person in 1000)
- allergic reactions, which may include breathlessness or difficulty in breathing Other side effects reported include: Skin rash (hives), itching, reddening of the skin or a nettle rash, swollen hands, feet or ankles, headaches, indigestion, high or low levels of potassium in the blood. Reporting of side effects If your child gets any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any
Possible side effects
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via 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.
How to store it
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. ▪ ▪ ▪
Do not use Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour after the expiry date which is stated on the sachet and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 4
▪
Once you have made up Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour in water, if your child cannot drink it straight away keep it covered and in the fridge (2°C – 8°C). Throw away any solution not used within a 6-hour period.
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.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour contains Each sachet of Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour powder for oral solution contains the following: Macrogol 3350 Sodium Chloride Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Potassium Chloride
6.563 g 0.1754 g 0.0893 g 0.0159 g
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour contains chocolate flavour (which includes benzyl alcohol E1519, see section 2 "Movicol Paediatric Chocolate contains benzyl alcohol and sodium") and acesulfame potassium E950 as a sweetener. When it is made into a drink with 1⁄4 glass (62.5ml) of water, each sachet gives the equivalent of: Sodium Chloride Potassium Bicarbonate
65 millimoles/litre 51 millimoles/litre 5.4 millimoles/litre 17 millimoles/litre
What Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour looks like and contents of the pack Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is available in rectangular sachets and tubular (stickpack) sachets. Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is a white to light brown powder. Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is available in boxes of 6, 8, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 100 sachets. Not all sachets and pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing authorisation holder: Norgine Pharmaceuticals Limited, ARC Uxbridge, Building 01, Sanderson Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1DH, UK Manufacturer: Norgine Limited, New Road, Hengoed, Mid Glamorgan, CF82 8SJ, U.K. 5
Or Norgine B.V., Antonio Vivaldistraat 150, 1083 HP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Or Meribel Pharma Höganäs AB, Sporthallsvägen 6, 263 35 Höganäs, Sweden. This leaflet was last revised in 12/2025. Other sources of information If you need the information on this leaflet in an alternative format, such as large print, or Braille please ring 0800 198 5000.
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Frequently asked questions about MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g powder for oral solution
How do I take MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g powder for oral solution?
MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g powder for oral solution comes as oral solution containing 6.8g. 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 MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g powder for oral solution?
The active substance in MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g powder for oral solution is macrogol 3350, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g 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 MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g 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: macrogol 3350, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate
- 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 in children 2 to 11 years of age.
For the treatment of faecal impaction in children from the age of five years, defined as refractory constipation with faecal loading of the rectum and /or colon.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Chronic constipation
The usual starting dose is 1 sachet daily for children aged 2 to 6 years, and 2 sachets daily for children aged 7 to 11 years. The dose should be adjusted up or down as required to produce regular soft stools. If the dose needs increasing this is best done every second day. The maximum dose needed does not normally exceed 4 sachets a day.
Treatment of children with chronic constipation needs to be for a prolonged period (at least 6-12 months). However safety and efficacy of Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour has only been proved for a period of up to three months. Treatment should be stopped gradually and resumed if constipation recurs.
Faecal impaction
A course of treatment for faecal impaction with Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is for up to 7 days as follows:
Daily dosage regimen:
Number of MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour sachets
Age (years)
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
5-11
4
6
8
10
12
12
12
The daily number of sachets should be taken in divided doses, all consumed within a 12 hour period. The above dosage regimen should be stopped once disimpaction has occurred. An indicator of disimpaction is the passage of a large volume of stools. After disimpaction it is recommended that the child follows an appropriate bowel management program to prevent reimpaction (dosing for prevention of re-impaction should be as for patients with chronic constipation; see above)
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is not recommended for children below five years of age for the treatment of faecal impaction, or in children below two years of age for the treatment of chronic constipation. For patients of 12 years and older it is recommended to use Movicol.
Patients with impaired cardiovascular function:
There are no clinical data for this group of patients. Therefore Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is not recommended for treating faecal impaction in children with impaired cardiovascular function.
Patients with renal insufficiency:
There are no clinical data for this group of patients. Therefore Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour is not recommended for treating faecal impaction in children with impaired renal function (see section 4.4 for warning about excipients).
Method of administration
Each sachet should be dissolved in 62.5mL (quarter of a glass) of water. The correct number of sachets may be reconstituted in advance and kept covered and refrigerated for up to 6 hours.
4.3. Contraindications
Intestinal perforation or obstruction due to structural or functional disorder of the gut wall, ileus, severe inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis 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 Movicol Paediatric Chocolate Flavour when re-constituted with water does not replace regular fluid intake and adequate fluid intake must be maintained.
Diagnosis of faecal impaction/faecal loading of the rectum should be confirmed by physical or radiological examination of the abdomen and rectum.
Rarely symptoms indicating shifts of fluid/electrolytes e.g. oedema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration and cardiac failure have been reported in adults when using preparations containing macrogol. If this occurs Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour should be stopped immediately, electrolytes measured and any abnormality should be treated appropriately.
When used in high doses to treat faecal impaction this medicinal product should be administered with caution to patients with impaired gag reflex, reflux oesophagitis or diminished levels of consciousness.
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour solution when reconstituted has no calorific value.
The absorption of other medicinal products could transiently be reduced due to an increase in gastro-intestinal transit rate induced by Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour (see section 4.5).
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate contains 7.0 mg benzyl alcohol per sachet. Benzyl alcohol may cause anaphylactoid reactions.
High volumes of benzyl alcohol should be used with caution and only if necessary, especially in subjects with kidney or liver impairment because of the risk of accumulation and toxicity (metabolic acidosis) of benzyl alcohol.
If used for more than a week in children less than 3 years old, medical advice should be provided due to increased risk of accumulation of benzyl alcohol.
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate contains 93.4 mg (4.062 mmol) sodium (main component of cooking /table salt) per sachet. This is equivalent to 4.6% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.
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
Medicinal products in solid dose form taken within one hour of administration of large volumes of macrogol preparations (as used when treating faecal impaction) may be flushed from the gastrointestinal tract and not absorbed.
Macrogol raises the solubility of medicinal products that are soluble in alcohol and relatively insoluble in water.
There is a possibility that the absorption of other medicinal products could be transiently reduced during use with Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour (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, during and for one hour after taking Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour.
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour 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 Movicol 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.
Movicol can be used during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
No effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of the breast-feeding woman to Macrogol 3350 is negligible
Movicol can be used during breast-feeding.
Fertility
There are no data on the effects of Movicol 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
Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour 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 Movicol Paediatric Chocolate flavour.
In the treatment of chronic constipation, diarrhoea or loose stools normally respond to a reduction in dose.
Diarrhoea, abdominal distension, anorectal discomfort and mild vomiting are more often observed during the treatment for faecal impaction. Vomiting may be resolved if the dose is reduced or delayed.
The frequency of the adverse reactions listed below is defined using the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100, <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000, <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000, <1/1000); and very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
System Organ Class
Frequency
Adverse event
Immune system disorders
Rare
Allergic reactions including anaphylactic reaction
Not known
Dyspnoea, and skin reactions (see below)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Not Known
Allergic skin reactions including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash, erythema.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Not known
Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia.
Nervous system disorders
Not known
Headache.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Very common
Abdominal pain, borborygmi.
Common
Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and anorectal discomfort.
Uncommon
Abdominal distension, flatulence.
Not known
Dyspepsia and peri-anal inflammation.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Not known
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 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 abdominal pain or distension can be treated by nasogastric aspiration. Extensive fluid loss by diarrhoea or vomiting may require correction of electrolyte disturbances.
🇷🇴 Known in Romania as
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Macrogol 3350, Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrogen carbonate. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- PROCTOLAX 10 g over the counter partial — not the same combinationMACROGOLUM · taken by mouth
- FORLAX 10 g over the counter partial — not the same combinationMACROGOLUM · taken by mouth
- PROCTOLAX 4 g over the counter partial — not the same combinationMACROGOLUM · taken by mouth
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Macrogol 3350, Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrogen carbonate. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- Forlax 10 g partial — not the same combinationMacrogolum 4000 · taken by mouth
- Macrogol Aurovitas partial — not the same combinationMacrogolum 4000 · taken by mouth
- Pegorion Junior partial — not the same combinationMacrogolum · taken by mouth
- Pegorion partial — not the same combinationMacrogolum · taken by mouth
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about MOVICOL Paediatric Chocolate flavour 6.8g 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.
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