CosmoCol® – Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes (also known as macrogol compound oral powder)
This type of medicine is a laxative and is used to treat constipation, especially constipation that is present for a long time and faecal impaction (persistent constipation, where a large volume of stools cause a blockage of the rectum and / or colon). Macrogol 3350 makes your faeces softer and easier to pass, giving you relief from constipation.. This medicine also contains electrolytes (salts) which help to maintain your body’s normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while you are being treated for constipation.
This medicine is available as a powder in a sachet. It is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
You must not take this medicine for more than 14 days for treating constipation. If your symptoms do not improve within this time, or get worse at any time during treatment then you must consult your doctor.
The course of treatment for faecal impaction should be stopped when a large volume of stools is passed and does not normally last longer than 3 days.
Source – CosmoCol® patient information leaflet.
CosmoCol® is available in a variety of flavour options – orange, lemon and lime flavour, orange flavour and lemon and lime flavour. Each product contains macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes (salts) with the only difference being the choice of flavours. The following information applies to all flavours of CosmoCol® unless otherwise stated.
What is CosmoCol®?
CosmoCol® is a laxative used for the treatment of constipation, especially if you have been constipated for a long time and faecal impaction (persistent constipation, where a large volume of stools cause a blockage of the rectum and / or colon).
How does CosmoCol® work?
CosmoCol® works by making your faeces softer and easier to pass, giving you relief from constipation. The electrolytes (salts) in CosmoCol® help to maintain your body’s normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while you are being treated for constipation.
How to take CosmoCol®
CosmoCol® should be taken as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. CosmoCol® is easy to prepare:
- Pour the contents of one sachet of CosmoCol® into a glass.
- Add 125 mL of water (about a quarter pint).
- Stir the mixture until the powder has dissolved. This may take a minute or two before the powder fully dissolves in the water.
CosmoCol® Half 6.9G powder for oral solution – macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes (also known as macrogol compound half strength powder)
What CosmoCol® Half is and what it is used for?
This type of medicine is a laxative and is used to treat constipation, especially constipation that is present for a long time and faecal impaction (persistent constipation, where a large volume of stools cause a blockage of the rectum and / or colon). Macrogol 3350 makes your faeces softer and easier to pass, giving you relief from constipation. This medicine also contains electrolytes (salts) which help to maintain your body’s normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while you are being treated for constipation.
This medicine is available as a powder in a sachet. It is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. You must not take this medicine for more than 14 days for treating constipation unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional. If your symptoms do not improve within this time, or get worse at any time during treatment then you must consult 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 this medicine for longer than 2 weeks.
The course of treatment for faecal impaction should be stopped when a large volume of stools is passed and does not normally last longer than 3 days.
Before using CosmoCol® Half
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone and some people must never have it. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure that the medicine is suitable before having it.
Always get advice from a healthcare professional before taking this medicine.
Before you take CosmoCol® Half for faecal impaction, your doctor must check to confirm that you have this condition.
If you have heart or kidney problems, swallowing difficulty or suffer from heartburn then talk to your doctor before taking CosmoCol® Half.
Do not take CosmoCol® Half:
- if you are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine, including flavourings
- if you have severe inflammatory bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or toxic megacolon
- if you have a blockage in your intestine (gut obstruction, ileus)
- if you have a perforated gut
How to take CosmoCol® Half
Chronic Constipation:
The recommended dose is 2 to 6 sachets daily, taken in divided doses. You should not normally need to take this medicine for more than three days although in some cases treatment may need to last for up to 2 weeks.
Faecal impaction:
Before you take CosmoCol® Half for faecal impaction, your doctor must check to confirm that you have this condition. The recommended dose is 16 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within 6 hours.
To prevent further problems from faecal impaction, your doctor may advise that you continue taking this medicine. You should use the dose for treating chronic constipation.
How to prepare CosmoCol® Half powder for oral solution
CosmoCol® Half should be taken as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. CosmoCol® Half is easy to prepare:
- Pour the contents of one sachet of CosmoCol® Half into a glass.
- Add 62.5 mL of water (about a quarter of a glass of water).
- Stir the mixture until the powder has dissolved. This may take a minute or two before the powder fully dissolves in the water.
Important Information about some of the ingredients in CosmoCol® Half
CosmoCol Half® contains 93.87mg of sodium per sachet. This should be taken into consideration if you are on a controlled sodium diet.
The orange, lemon and lime flavouring in CosmoCol® Half, contains sorbitol (E420). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
Reporting of Side Effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Medicines interactions
Some medicines e.g. anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively during use with CosmoCol® Half. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Do not take other medicines within one hour of taking CosmoCol® Half.
Possible side effects of CosmoCol® Half
Most medicines can cause some side-effects but not everyone taking the same medicine will get the same side-effects.
The following side-effects have been associated with people taking this medicine:
Stop taking CosmoCol® Half and see your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
- signs of a change in your body’s fluid or electrolyte (salts) levels such as oedema (most commonly swollen ankles), shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or increased thirst with headache (dehydration)
The following side effects are also possible:
- gastro-intestinal effects such as stomach pain and distension
- nausea and/or vomiting
- mild diarrhoea – if this occurs at the start of taking CosmoCol Half , it usually helps if you reduce the number of sachets taken each day.
- rumbling and gurgling of the stomach
- flatulence (wind)
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
CosmoCol® Half can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other important information
Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your medicine to check what dose you should take and if there is anything that you need to do if you take more than the recommended dose. If you are in any doubt about whether this medicine is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Reconstituted CosmoCol® Half solution can be covered and stored in the refrigerator and should be used within 6 hours. After 6 hours, any unused solution should be discarded.
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.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
CosmoCol® Paediatric 6.9G powder for oral solution – macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes (also known as macrogol compound half strength powder)
What CosmoCol® Paediatric is and what it is used for?
This type of medicine is a laxative and is used to treat constipation in children, especially constipation that is present for a long time and faecal impaction (persistent constipation, where a large volume of stools cause a blockage of the rectum and / or colon). Macrogol 3350 makes the faeces softer and easier to pass, giving relief from constipation. This medicine also contains electrolytes (salts) which help to maintain the body’s normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while your child is being treated for constipation.
This medicine is available as a powder in a sachet. It is recommended for treating chronic constipation in children aged 2 – 11 years and for treating faecal impaction in children aged 5 – 11 years. Your child must only be given CosmoCol® Paediatric on the advice of a healthcare professional and the medicine can only be provided on prescription.
Children aged 12 years and above should use CosmoCol or CosmoCol Half.
Before using CosmoCol® Paediatric
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone and some children must never have it.
Before you give your child CosmoCol® Paediatric for faecal impaction, your doctor must check to confirm that your child has this condition.
If your child has heart or kidney problems, swallowing difficulty or suffers from heartburn then talk to your doctor before giving CosmoCol Paediatric.
Do not give CosmoCol® Paediatric to your child if your doctor has told you that:
- your child is allergic or sensitive to or has had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine, including flavourings
- your child has severe inflammatory bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or toxic megacolon
- your child has a blockage in the intestine (gut obstruction, ileus)
- your child has a perforated gut
How to take CosmoCol® Paediatric?
Chronic Constipation:
The recommended dose depends on your child’s age and their response to treatment.
Children aged 2 – 6 years, start with one sachet each day.
Children aged 7 – 11 years, start with two sachets each day.
Your doctor or nurse may advise you to increase the number of sachets taken each day until your child has a soft bowel movement. Normally, no more than 4 sachets are needed each day. Treatment may be needed for as long as 6 – 12 months.
Faecal impaction:
Before your child takes CosmoCol Paediatric for faecal impaction, your doctor must check to confirm that your child has this condition.
A treatment course for faecal impaction lasts for up to 7 days. Please refer to the full prescribing information for the daily dosing schedule as the dose should be gradually increased each day until there is a response to treatment. The maximum dose that can be reached is 12 sachets daily starting from an initial dose of 4 sachets daily.
On each day, doses can be spread out over 12 hours. You will know that the medicine has worked when your child passes large volumes of stools and/or watery diarrhoea. Once the medicine has worked, treatment can be stopped.
To prevent further problems from faecal impaction, your doctor may advise that you continue to give your child this medicine. You should give the dose for treating chronic constipation.
CosmoCol® Paediatric can be given at any time with or without food.
How to prepare CosmoCol® Paediatric powder for oral solution:
CosmoCol® Paediatric should be given as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. CosmoCol® Paediatric is easy to prepare:
- Pour the contents of one sachet of CosmoCol® Paediatric into a glass.
- Add 62.5 mL of water (about a quarter of a glass of water).
- Stir the mixture until the powder has dissolved. This may take a minute or two before the powder fully dissolves in the water.
Important Information about some of the ingredients in CosmoCol® Paediatric
CosmoCol® Paediatric contains 93.87mg of sodium per sachet. This should be taken into consideration if your child is on a controlled sodium diet.
The orange, lemon and lime flavouring in CosmoCol® Paediatric, contains sorbitol (E420). If you have been told by your doctor that your child has an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before giving this medicine to your child.
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 the information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Medicines interactions
Some medicines e.g. medicines for epilepsy, may not work as effectively during use with CosmoCol® Paediatric. Please tell your doctor if your child is taking any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Do not give your child other medicines within one hour of taking CosmoCol® Paediatric.
Possible side effects of CosmoCol® Paediatric
Most medicines can cause some side-effects but not everyone taking the same medicine will get the same side-effects.
The following side-effects have been associated with people taking this medicine:
Stop giving CosmoCol®Paediatric to your child and tell your doctor immediately if your child experiences any of the following side effects:
- signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
- signs of a change in your body’s fluid or electrolyte (salts) levels such as oedema (most commonly swollen ankles), shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or increased thirst with headache (dehydration)
The following side effects are also possible:
- gastro-intestinal effects such as stomach pain and distension
- nausea and/or vomiting
- mild diarrhoea – if this occurs at the start of taking CosmoCol Paediatric , it usually helps if you reduce the number of sachets given each day.
- rumbling and gurgling of the stomach
- flatulence (wind)
If your child gets any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
CosmoCol® Paediatric can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other important information
Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your child’s medicine to check what dose your child should take and if there is anything that you need to do if your child takes more than the recommended dose. If you are in any doubt about whether this medicine is suitable for your child, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Reconstituted CosmoCol® Paediatric solution can be covered and stored in the refrigerator and should be used within 24 hours. After 24 hours, any unused solution should be discarded.
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.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
About CosmoCol® and how it works
This medicine is a laxative used for the treatment of long term (chronic) constipation and faecal impaction (persistent constipation, where a large volume of stools cause a blockage of the rectum and / or colon). It is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. The main ingredient, macrogol 3350, makes your faeces softer and easier to pass, giving you relief from constipation. The electrolytes (salts) help to maintain your body’s normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while you are being treated for constipation.
This medicine is available as a powder in a sachet that is dissolved in water before taking by mouth.
You should only take this medicine on advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
If you are taking this medicine to treat constipation, do not take it for more than two weeks.
Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after two weeks or if they get worse during treatment with this medicine.
The course of treatment for faecal impaction should be stopped when a large volume of stools is passed and does not normally last longer than 3 days.
Before using CosmoCol®
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone and some people must never have it. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure that the medicine is suitable before having it.
Always get advice from a healthcare professional before taking this medicine.
Before you take CosmoCol® for faecal impaction, your doctor must check to confirm that you have this condition. The recommended dose is 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within 6 hours.
To prevent further problems from faecal impaction, your doctor may advise that you continue taking this medicine. You should use the dose for treating chronic constipation.
Do not take CosmoCol®:
- if you are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine, including flavourings
- if you have severe inflammatory bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or toxic megacolon
- if you have a blockage in your intestine (gut obstruction, ileus)
- if you have a perforated gut
Important Information about some of the ingredients in CosmoCol® products.
All CosmoCol® products contain 25mg 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.
All CosmoCol® products contain 187mg of sodium per sachet. This should be taken into consideration if you are on a controlled sodium diet.
The lemon and lime flavouring in CosmoCol® orange, lemon and lime flavour product and CosmoCol® lemon and lime flavour product contains sorbitol (E420). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
Reporting of Side Effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Medicines interactions
Some medicines e.g. anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively during use with CosmoCol®. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Possible side effects of CosmoCol®
Most medicines can cause some side-effects but not everyone taking the same medicine will get the same side-effects.
The following side-effects have been associated with people taking this medicine:
Stop taking CosmoCol® and see your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
- signs of a change in your body’s fluid or electrolyte (salts) levels such as oedema (most commonly swollen ankles), shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or increased thirst with headache (dehydration)
The following side effects are also possible:
- gastro-intestinal effects such as stomach pain and distension
- nausea and/or vomiting
- mild diarrhoea – if this occurs at the start of taking CosmoCol , it usually helps if you reduce the number of sachets taken each day.
- rumbling and gurgling of the stomach
- flatulence (wind)
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you should seek medical advice before taking this medicine.
Other important information
Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your medicine to check what dose you should take and if there is anything that you need to do if you take more than the recommended dose. If you are in any doubt about whether this medicine is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Reconstituted CosmoCol® solution can be covered and stored in the refrigerator and should be used within 24 hours. After 24 hours, any unused solution should be discarded.
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.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.