Frequently Asked Questions
Constipation is a condition in which you may have fewer than three bowel movements a week; stools that’s are hard, dry or lumpy; stools that are difficult or painful to pass; or a feeling that not all the stool has passed
How often one needs to empty their bowels differs between people. Some go more than once a day, others may go every other day or less, it is completely individual. However, constipation is usually defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week and the stool is hard and difficult to obtain.
As we age, movement in the digestive system may slow down which will result in stools remaining in the intestine for longer. This may cause more fluid to be absorbed from it which can cause constipation. There are also other possible reasons such as that older adults might be less active, might have other diseases and might take more medications which may cause constipation. Read more about the causes of constipation here.
MICROLAX® enema is a laxative used to empty the large bowel in constipation, or prior to surgical and diagnostic procedures or in obstetrics prior to delivery. The enema acts as a laxative by softening the stools and by its lubricating properties.
Avoid prolonged use of MICROLAX® . If you do not get better, or if you get worse, consult your doctor so they can investigate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicines for constipation, including MICROLAX® . Consult a doctor before administering constipation medication to a child, including MICROLAX®.
MICROLAX® contains the active substances sodium citrate and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate.
Tell your doctor, or pharmacist, which medicines you are using so they can advise you. Also tell them what medicines you have recently used, or maybe will use.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using MICROLAX® if you are taking sodium polystyrene sulphonate (a medicine used to treat high blood levels of potassium).
MICROLAX® will usually start working within 5 - 15 minutes.
MICROLAX® has no known effects on the ability to drive or use machines.
Like all medicines, MICROLAX® can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Prolonged use of MICROLAX® may lead to irritation of the rear passage. Sensitivity reactions (such as a rash) rarely occur.
Abdominal pain.
Anal discomfort.
Diarrhoea.
Allergic reactions (e.g. hives).
If you experience any reactions to MICROLAX®, discontinue using the product and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
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If anyone has used too much MICROLAX®, contact your doctor or hospital for risk assessment and advice.
If you have any further questions about MICROLAX®, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
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Avoid prolonged use of MICROLAX®. If no improvement occurs, consult a doctor.
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If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and experiencing constipation you should consult your doctor or pharmacy staff before using any new medication including MICROLAX®.
Always talk to a doctor before using any constipation medication for a child, including MICROLAX®. MICROLAX® can be used for all ages. However, for children under 3 years of age, insert only half the length of the nozzle into the rectum (see marking). Read the whole patient information leaflet carefully for further information on usage instructions.