The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), DatapharmActive substance: macrogol 3350, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonateOfficial document: view the original leaflet on emc →Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

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MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet

⚠ 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.

Active substance: Macrogol 3350, Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrogen carbonate

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

→ CosmoCol Plain powder for oral solution brand

→ Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution brand

→ Cosmocol orange flavour powder for oral solution brand

→ Cosmocol orange, lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution brand

→ Laxido Orange, powder for oral solution brand

and 1 more with the same active substance, strength and form

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)

Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

The name of this medicine is Movicol Ready to Take 13.7g/25ml oral solution in sachet. It is a laxative for the treatment of constipation in adolescents, adults and older people. It is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Movicol Ready to Take helps you to have a comfortable bowel movement even if you have been constipated for a long time. Movicol Ready to Take also works in very bad constipation called faecal impaction. You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better within 2 weeks or if you feel worse.

What you need to know before you take it

e Movicol Ready to Take Do not take Movicol Ready to Take if your doctor has told you that you have:

a blockage in your intestine (gut obstruction, ileus)

–

a perforated gut (a hole in the 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 Ready to Take (listed in section 6).

Warnings and Precautions When taking Movicol Ready to Take you should continue to take plenty of fluids. The fluid content of Movicol should not replace your regular liquid intake. Heart conditions Follow the special instructions in section 3 if you are taking Movicol Ready to Take for faecal impaction. Other medicines and Movicol Ready to Take Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Some medicines, e.g. anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively during use with Movicol Ready to Take. You should not take any other medicines by mouth together with Movicol Ready to Take and for one hour before and for one hour after taking Movicol Ready to Take. If you need to thicken fluids in order to swallow them safely, Movicol Ready to Take may counteract the effect of the thickener. Pregnancy and breast feeding Movicol Ready to Take can be taken during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking Movicol Ready to Take. Driving and using machines Movicol Ready to Take does not affect your ability to drive or use machines. Movicol Ready to Take contains sodium Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need 3 or more sachets daily for a prolonged period, especially if you have been advised to follow a low salt (sodium) diet. Movicol contains 186.87 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) per sachet. This is equivalent to 9.3% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult. Movicol contains between 159 mg and 162 mg of propylene glycol per sachet. 2

How to take it

Movicol Ready to Take This medicine can be taken at any time with or without food or drink. Drink Movicol Ready to Take directly from the sachet. There is no need to dilute it with water. To maintain good health, including a healthy bowel, it is recommended to drink sufficient amounts of fluids (generally 2.0 to 2.5 litres daily). 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. Constipation: A dose of Movicol Ready to Take is one 25 mL sachet. Take 1-3 sachets a day in divided doses according to your response to Movicol Ready to Take. Faecal impaction: Before you take Movicol Ready to Take for faecal impaction, it should be confirmed that you have this condition. Eight sachets a day of Movicol Ready to Take are needed for the treatment of faecal impaction. The 8 sachets should be taken within 6 hours. If you have a heart condition, do not take more than 2 sachets in any one hour. It is recommended to drink an extra 1.0 litre of fluid per day if you have severe constipation (called faecal impaction). Duration of treatment: Constipation: Treatment with Movicol Ready to Take usually lasts for about 2 weeks. If you need to take Movicol Ready to Take for longer, please see your doctor. If your constipation is caused by an illness such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis (MS), or if you take medicines that cause constipation your doctor may recommend that you take Movicol Ready to Take for longer than 2 weeks. Usually for long term treatment the dose can be lowered to either 1 or 2 sachets a day. Faecal impaction: Treatment with Movicol Ready to Take can be for up to 3 days.

If you take more Movicol Ready to Take than you should: You may develop excessive diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. If this occurs, stop taking Movicol Ready to Take and drink plenty of fluids. If you are worried contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take Movicol Ready to Take: Take the dose as soon as you remember to take it.

4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Tell your doctor immediately and stop taking Movicol Ready to Take if you: Get a serious allergic reaction which causes difficulty in breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Other side effects include: Allergic reactions which may cause a skin rash, itching, reddening of the skin or a nettle rash, swollen hands, feet or ankles, headaches and high and low levels of potassium in the blood. Sometimes you may have indigestion, stomach ache or rumbles. You may also feel bloated, suffer from wind, feel sick or vomit, may also experience soreness of the anus (bottom) and may have mild diarrhoea when starting to take Movicol Ready to Take. These side effects generally get better if you reduce the amount that you take of this medicine. Reporting of side effects If you get 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 Ready to Take Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use Movicol Ready to Take after the expiry date which is stated on the sachet and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 30oC Do not refrigerate or freeze. 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 Ready to Take contains Each 25 mL sachet of Movicol Ready to Take contains the following active ingredients: Macrogol 3350 Sodium Chloride Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Potassium Chloride

13.125 g 0.3508 g 0.1786 g 0.0502 g

Movicol Ready to Take also contains sucralose, purified water and strawberry banana flavouring which contains natural flavouring substances (including extracts from strawberry and banana fruit), flavouring preparations (including celery) and propylene glycol. Each 25 mL sachet gives the equivalent of: Sodium 8.125 mmol Chloride 6.675 mmol Potassium 0.675 mmol Hydrogen Carbonate 2.125 mmol What Movicol Ready to Take looks like and contents of the pack Movicol Ready to Take is a clear, colourless to light yellow liquid. Movicol Ready to Take is available in boxes of 10, 20, 30 and 50 sachets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing authorisation holder: Norgine Pharmaceuticals Limited ARC Uxbridge, Building 01, Sanderson Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1DH, UK 5

Manufacturer: Norgine Pharma, 29 Rue Ethé Virton, 28100 Dreux Cedex France This leaflet was last revised in 04/2026. 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.

Frequently asked questions about MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet

How do I take MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet?

MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet 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 MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet?

The active substance in MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet is macrogol 3350, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Are there equivalent medicines to MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet?

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 MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet, 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 Ready to Take oral solution in sachet 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 →

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Macrogol 3350, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate (12 medicines), Potassium chloride (66 medicines), Sodium chloride (98 medicines), Sodium hydrogen carbonate (24 medicines)

See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.

⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+

Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

For the treatment of constipation in adults and adolescents (12 years and above).

Movicol Ready to Take is also effective in resolving faecal impaction, defined as refractory constipation with faecal loading of the rectum and/or colon.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Movicol Ready to Take should be used directly from the sachet. This product does not need to be diluted with water.

Chronic Constipation

A course of treatment for constipation with Movicol Ready to Take 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 older people: 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. Alternative Movicol products are available for children.

Patients with renal insufficiency: No dosage change is necessary for the treatment of constipation.

Faecal Impaction

It is recommended that patients using Movicol Ready to Take for faecal impaction take an additional 1.0 litre of fluid per day. A course of treatment for faecal impaction with Movicol Ready to Take does not normally exceed 3 days.

Adults, adolescents and older people: 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within a 6 hour period.

Children (below 12 years old): Not recommended. Alternative Movicol products are available for children.

Patients with impaired cardiovascular function: For the treatment of faecal impaction the dose should be divided so that no more than two sachets are taken in any one hour.

Patients with renal insufficiency: No dosage change is necessary for treatment of faecal impaction.

It is recommended to drink sufficient amounts of fluids (generally 2.0 to 2.5 litres daily) to maintain good health.

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 Ready to Take does not replace regular fluid intake and adequate fluid intake must be maintained.

Diagnosis of impaction/faecal loading of the rectum should be confirmed by physical or radiological examination of the abdomen and rectum.

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) Movicol Ready to Take 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 Movicol Ready to Take (see section 4.5).

This medicinal product contains 186.87 mg (8.125 mmol) sodium per dose, equivalent to 9.3% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake for sodium. When used long term for constipation, the maximum daily dose of this product is equivalent to 28% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake for sodium. Movicol Ready to Take is considered high in sodium. This should be particularly taken into account for those on a low salt diet.

This medicinal product contains between 159 mg and 162 mg of propylene glycol per sachet.

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 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 Ready to Take (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 Ready to Take.

Movicol Ready to Take 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 Ready to Take 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 Ready to Take 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 Ready to Take 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 Ready to Take. Mild diarrhoea usually responds to dose reduction.

The frequency of the adverse events for Movicol Ready to Take is not known as it cannot be estimated from the available data. The list of adverse events is based on the current Movicol range of products.

System Organ Class

Adverse Event

Immune system disorders

Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, dyspnoea and skin reactions (see below).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Allergic skin reactions including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash, 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 events 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.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about MOVICOL Ready to Take oral solution in sachet. 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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