Macrolax

Macrolax Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 exerts an osmotic action in the gut, which induces a laxative effect. Polyethylene Glycol 3350 increases the stool volume, which triggers colon motility via neuromuscular pathways. Electrolytes combined with Polyethylene Glycol 3350 are exchanged across the intestinal barrier (mucosa) with serum electrolytes and excreted in fecal water without net gain or loss of sodium, potassium and water.

Sodium chloride is the major extracellular cation. It is important in electrolyte and fluid balance, osmotic pressure control and water distribution as it restores sodium ions. It is used as a source of electrolytes and water for hydration, treatment of metabolic acidosis, priming solution in haemodialysis and treatment of hyperosmolar diabetes. It is also used as diluents for infusion of compatible drug additives.

Sodium bicarbonate raises blood and urinary pH by dissociation to provide bicarbonate ions, which neutralises the hydrogen ion concentration. It also neutralises gastric acid via production of carbon dioxide.

Potassium chloride is a major cation of the intracellular fluid. It plays an active role in the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain and skeletal muscle; contraction of cardiac skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function, acid-base balance, carbohydrate metabolism and gastric secretion.

Macrolax
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Macrolax
Generic	Polyethylene Glycol + Electrolytes
Type	Concentrated Oral Solution, Sachet
Therapeutic Class	Osmotic purgatives
Manufacturer	Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Bliss Chemicals & Pharma Ltd
Available Country	Bangladesh, India
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Each 25 ml concentrated oral solution contains-

Polyethylene Glycol 3350: 13.125 gm
Sodium Chloride: 350.7 mg
Sodium Bicarbonate: 178.5 mg
Potassium Chloride: 46.6 mg

Each sachet (Powder for Suspension) contains-

Polyethylene Glycol 3350: 13.125 gm
Sodium chloride: 350.7 mg
Sodium Bicarbonate: 178.5 mg
Potassium Chloride BP 46.6 mg.

For effective relief from constipation and treatment of chronic constipation. Resolving fecal impaction.

Macrolax is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Chronic Constipation, Constipation, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), Dry Eyes, Occasional Constipation, Bowel preparation therapy, Eye lubrication

How Macrolax works

Osmotic laxatives contain substances that are poorly absorbable and draw water into the lumen of the bowel. Polyethylene glycol functions is an osmotic laxative that causes increased water retention in the lumen of the colon by binding to water molecules, thereby producing loose stools.

Dosage

Macrolax dosage

For adults and children aged 12 years and above: (Powder for Suspension)

Constipation: The dose is 1 sachet daily. This may be increased to 2-3 sachets daily, if required.
Fecal Impaction:8 sachets daily, consumed within 6 hours. A course of treatment for fecal impaction does not normally exceed 3 days.
Patients with renal insufficiency:No dosage change is necessary for treatment of either constipation or fecal impaction.
Direction of use:Each sachet should be dissolved in 125 ml water. For fecal impaction 8 sachets may be dissolved in 1 litre of water. Store the solution refrigerated and discard any solution not used within 6 hours.

For adults and children aged 12 years and above: (Oral Solution)

Constipation: 25 ml of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 and electrolytes oral solution added to 100 ml of water once daily (to make a total volume of 125 ml). This may be increased to 2-3 doses of 25 ml daily (each 25 ml dose added to 100 ml of water), if required according to individual response.
Fecal Impaction: 8 doses of 25 ml daily (each 25 ml dose added to 100 ml of water). A course of treatment for fecal impaction does not normally exceed 3 days.
Direction of use:25 ml of oral solution added to 100 ml of water (to make a total volume of 125 ml). Any unused diluted solution should be discarded within 24 hours

It should always be taken by mouth. Measure the dose using the supplied cup, stir and dissolve in a glass of water, juice, coke, coffee or tea. Taking more than the prescribed dose may cause loss of fluid due to severe diarrhea.

Duration of Treatment

Polyethylene Glycol achieves its best results when used between one and two weeks. It may be discontinued after several satisfactory bowel movements. Should unusual cramps, bloating, or diarrhea occur, consultation with physician is needed. Polyethylene Glycol is intended for up to a two-week course of therapy. It should not be used for a longer time unless directed by a physician. After successfully completing the Polyethylene Glycol therapy (usually between one and two weeks) discussion with a physician is needed to change lifestyle that may produce more regular bowel habits (adequate dietary and fluid intake, regular exercise).

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated. However side effects like allergic reactions, electrolyte disturbances particularly hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, peripheral edema may appear.

Toxicity

The oral LD₅₀ of PEG 3350 in rats is 22000 mg/kg.

There is limited clinical information on the overdose of polyethylene glycols. Based on the pharmacological action of the compound, severe diarrhea may be suspected. Overdose of polyethylene glycols should be responded with symptomatic and supportive care.

Precaution

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

If patients develop any symptoms indicating shifts of fluid/electrolytes (e.g. edema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure) Movilax should be stopped immediately and any abnormality should be treated appropriately. Prolonged use with all laxatives is undesirable and may lead to dependence.

Interaction

No specific drug interactions have been found.

Volume of Distribution

Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution was 48,481 L.

Elimination Route

Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean Cmax was 2.7 mcg/mL and the mean Tmax was 3 hours. Typically, polyethylene glycols with a high molecular weight are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.

Half Life

Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean half life was 4.1 hours.

Clearance

There is limited information on the clearance rate of polyethylene glycols.

Elimination Route

Following administration of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, up to 85% to 99% of the compound was excreted in the feces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Use in Pregnancy: There is no experience of the use of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 during pregnancy and lactation. It should only be used if considered essential by the physician.

Use in Lactation: It is unknown whether Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is excreted in human breast milk.

Contraindication

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 and electrolytes is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients, intestinal perforation or obstruction, crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Acute Overdose

Severe pain or distention can be treated by nasogastric aspiration. Extensive fluid loss by diarrhea or vomiting may require correction of electrolyte disturbances.