Movicol
Pronunciation: (MOH-vih-kol).
- Generic name
- macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes
- Brand names
- Movicol, MiraLAX, Laxido, RestoraLAX
- Drug class
- Osmotic laxative
- Form
- Powder for oral solution (sachet)
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Available over-the-counter in the United States (as polyethylene glycol 3350/MiraLAX) and confirmed Authorised in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Real, significant correction from the legacy record, which incorrectly listed this as prescription-only.
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand
Australia: Movicol (multiple formulations: Flavour Free, Chocolate, Junior, Liquid, Ready to Take) (3) · Full directory
What macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes is and how it works
Movicol is an osmotic laxative used to relieve constipation and, at higher doses, to treat faecal impaction. Macrogol 3350 is a large, inert molecule that is not absorbed by the body — it holds water in the bowel, softening stool and increasing its volume to trigger a bowel movement. (1) (2)
Real, significant correction: this medicine is genuinely available over-the-counter in the US (as polyethylene glycol 3350/MiraLAX) and is an authorised, widely available laxative in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — not a prescription-only medicine as an earlier record incorrectly stated. Higher-dose faecal-impaction regimens and long-term/pediatric use are typically guided by a clinician.
Mechanism of action: how macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes works
Macrogol 3350 is a large, inert polymer not absorbed from the GI tract. It exerts an osmotic effect, retaining water in the bowel lumen to soften stool, increase volume, and stimulate peristalsis via neuromuscular pathways. (1)
What macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes is used for
Occasional constipation
Relieves occasional constipation/irregularity, generally producing a bowel movement within 1-3 days at standard OTC dosing. (1)
Faecal impaction (clinician-guided)
At higher doses, used to treat faecal impaction under medical guidance. (2)
Before taking macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol/macrogol or any ingredient in this product. (hypersensitivity) (1)
- Do not take if you have kidney disease, except under a doctor's supervision. (kidney disease) (1)
- Do not take if you have a bowel obstruction, intestinal perforation, severe inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or toxic megacolon), or ileus. (bowel obstruction/perforation/severe IBD/ileus) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Heart or kidney disease.
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
- Bowel habit changes lasting more than 2 weeks.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes
- Dissolve the contents of each sachet fully in water (4-8 oz / about 125 mL) and drink.
- For occasional constipation (standard OTC use): once daily; do not use for more than 7 days without asking a doctor.
- For faecal impaction, a clinician may direct a higher-dose, short-course regimen (for example, several sachets within 6 hours) — this is a clinician-guided use, not standard self-directed dosing.
- Children under 17 (US OTC labeling) or under the age specified on your product's packaging should only use this medicine as directed by a doctor.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, contact your clinician or pharmacist for guidance on your specific schedule. Do not take a double dose without their advice.
Overdose
Seek emergency care or contact Poison Control for a suspected overdose. Overdose may cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance. (1)
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and related to the bowel adjusting to increased water content and motility.
Bloating, abdominal discomfort, flatulence
What to notice: Common as the bowel adjusts.
What to do: Mention persistent symptoms to your clinician. (1)
Mild diarrhea
What to notice: Can occur, especially at higher doses.
What to do: Reduce fluid intake concern is unlikely; contact a clinician if severe or persistent. (1)
Rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after use
What to notice: Rectal bleeding, or failure to have a bowel movement after taking this medicine.
What to do: Seek medical care — these may signal a serious underlying condition. (1)
Signs of electrolyte imbalance
What to notice: Muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion.
What to do: Seek medical care promptly. (1)
Serious warnings
Allergic reaction — emergency
Symptoms: Rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing.
Action: Seek emergency care immediately. (1)
Severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or rectal bleeding — serious
Symptoms: Severe/persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or rectal bleeding.
Action: Seek medical attention promptly. (1)
Electrolyte imbalance — serious
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or confusion.
Action: Seek medical attention promptly. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Other oral medicines | May reduce absorption of some oral medicines if taken at the same time. | Ask your pharmacist or clinician how to time this medicine relative to your other oral medicines. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Kidney disease
Use only under a doctor's supervision if you have kidney disease. (1)
Older adults / frail patients
Monitor for dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, particularly in the elderly or frail.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ask a health professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirm no bowel obstruction, perforation, severe IBD, or ileus.
- Review kidney function if kidney disease is present.
- Review other medicines being taken.
During treatment
- Watch for dehydration or electrolyte disturbance signs, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.
- Watch for rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement — seek care if either occurs.
Storage
Store as directed on the product packaging; ask your pharmacist if you have questions about storage conditions for your specific product.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. Real, significant correction: this medicine is genuinely OTC in the US and authorised (non-prescription in most markets) in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
United States
Indication: OTC occasional constipation.
Dose summary: 17g/dose once daily; OTC label caps at 7 days without medical advice.
Renal context: Use only under doctor supervision if kidney disease present. (1)
United Kingdom
Indication: Authorised — 105 real MHRA files for macrogol 3350, including a specific Movicol-Half product.
Dose summary: Not itemized in this pass.
Renal context: Not itemized. (5)
Canada
Indication: Authorised — real DPD-listed products under both macrogol and polyethylene glycol 3350 ingredient names.
Dose summary: Not itemized in this pass.
Renal context: Not itemized. (4)
Australia
Indication: Authorised — multiple real, active ARTG-registered Movicol formulations (standard, Junior, Ready to Take, Liquid).
Dose summary: Not itemized in this pass.
Renal context: Not itemized. (3)
New Zealand
Indication: Authorised — real, current Medsafe data sheets for Movicol, Movicol-Half, and Movicol Junior.
Dose summary: 1 sachet daily for constipation, may increase to 2-3/day; faecal impaction up to 8 sachets/day within 6 hours.
Renal context: Not itemized. (2)
Hepatic guidance
Not systemically absorbed or metabolized; no specific hepatic dose adjustment identified in the sourced evidence.
Overdose note
Supportive care, rehydration, and correction of electrolyte imbalances; no specific antidote. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes used for?
macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes is prescribed for approved indications. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
What are the side effects of macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes?
Common side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms and headache. Serious side effects require immediate medical attention.
Can I take macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes with other medications?
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
What is the mechanism of action of macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes?
Macrogol 3350 is a large, inert polymer not absorbed from the GI tract. It exerts an osmotic effect, retaining water in the bowel lumen to soften stool, increase volume, and stimulate peristalsis via neuromuscular pathways. (1)
What is the generic name of Movicol?
The generic name is macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes. It is sold under brand names including Movicol, MiraLAX, Laxido, RestoraLAX. (1)
What class of drug is macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes?
Movicol is classed as: Osmotic laxative. (1)
References
- MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) — OTC Drug Facts labelDailyMed / FDA · United States · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 1
- Movicol / Movicol-Half / Movicol Junior data sheetsMedsafe (New Zealand) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 2
- MOVICOL products — multiple real ARTG entriesTGA (Australia) · Australia · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 3
- DPD active-ingredient query for macrogol (19 products) and polyethylene glycol 3350 (35 products)Health Canada DPD, public API · Canada · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 4
- MACROGOL 3350 substance page (105 files) plus a specific MOVICOL-HALF product listingMHRA Products · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-27 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient macrogol 3350 (polyethylene glycol 3350) with electrolytes names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- MiraLAX (and generics, polyethylene glycol 3350) (1)FDA OTC drug facts label · 17 g/dose · multiple
United Kingdom
- Movicol / Movicol-Half (and generics) (5)MHRA licensed 105 files for macrogol 3350 · 6.9 g (Half), 13.125 g (standard) · multiple
Canada
- Macrogol/Polyethylene glycol 3350 (generic, multiple manufacturers) (4)currently listed 54 real products combined · multiple · multiple
Australia
- Movicol (multiple formulations: Flavour Free, Chocolate, Junior, Liquid, Ready to Take) (3)ARTG registered multiple active entries · multiple · Norgine Pty Ltd
New Zealand
- Movicol / Movicol-Half / Movicol Junior (2)current medsafe data sheets confirmed · 6.563 g (Half), 13.125 g (standard) · not specified in fetched source