CosmoCol Plain is a laxative used for the treatment of chronic constipation and persistent constipation caused by the buildup of a large volume of stools in the rectum and/or colon. It works by softening stools and helping to maintain normal levels of sodium, potassium, and water in the body.

Key features:

• A laxative for chronic constipation & faecal impaction
• Contains macrogol 3350, electrolytes
• Can be taken with or without food or drink

What is chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools that persist for several weeks or longer. It is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. This type of constipation can interfere with daily tasks and cause excessive straining during bowel movements.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation is characterized by the passing of fewer than three stools per week, having lumpy or hard stools, straining during bowel movements, feeling a blockage in the rectum that prevents bowel movements, feeling as though the stool cannot be completely emptied from the rectum, and needing help to empty the rectum, such as using the hands to press on the abdomen and a finger to remove the stool from the rectum. If an individual experience two or more of these symptoms for the past three months, it may be considered as chronic constipation.

Who should not take CosmoCol Plain?

CosmoCol Plain should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to its ingredients, have a perforated gut wall, a blockage in the intestine, or severe inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or toxic megacolon.

Can CosmoCol Plain be taken with other medicines?

CosmoCol Plain may not work as effectively during use with certain medicines, such as anti-epileptics. It may also counteract the effect of fluid thickeners used to help with swallowing. If you are taking any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription, please consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Should CosmoCol Plain be taken with food or drink?

CosmoCol Plain can be taken at any time with or without food or drink.

Is it safe to take CosmoCol Plain during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to consult with a doctor before taking CosmoCol Plain.

Does CosmoCol Plain have any effect on driving or using machinery?

No, CosmoCol Plain does not have any effect on the ability to drive or use machinery.

Does CosmoCol Plain contain potassium?

Yes, CosmoCol Plain contains 0.63 mmol (25 mg) potassium per sachet, which should be considered by patients with reduced kidney function or those on a controlled potassium diet.

Does CosmoCol Plain contain sodium?

Yes, CosmoCol Plain contains 187 mg of sodium (the main component of table salt) in each sachet, equivalent to 9.35% of the recommended daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult. The maximum recommended daily dose for the treatment of chronic constipation contains 561 mg sodium.

How should CosmoCol Plain be stored?

The storage instructions for CosmoCol Plain can be found in the leaflet that comes with the medicine. It is important to store it in a cool, dry place and to keep it out of reach of children.

What should I do if my symptoms worsen or do not improve after 14 days of taking CosmoCol Plain?

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 14 days of taking CosmoCol Plain, you should contact a doctor immediately.

What should I do if I experience any side effects while taking CosmoCol Plain?

If you experience any side effects while taking CosmoCol Plain, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Each sachet contains:

• Macrogol 3350 - 13.125g
• Sodium chloride - 0.3507g
• Sodium hydrogen carbonate - 0.1785g
• Potassium chloride - 0.0466g

The other ingredients are colloidal anhydrous silica.

The amount of CosmoCol you should drink will depend on what you’re taking it for:

For chronic constipation: Take one sachet 1 - 3 times a day. Treatment should not last longer than 2 weeks

For faecal impaction: Mix 8 sachets of CosmoCol and drink them all within 6 hours. You should only use this treatment if advised to do so by your doctor and for as long as your doctor recommends

To make up your CosmoCol drink you should first fill a glass with 125ml of water. Add the contents of one sachet to the water and stir well until the powder has dissolved. Drink the solution right away. Stop taking this product after you have passed a large volume of poo, which will usually happen within 3 days of treatment.

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy but you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking CosmoCol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. They may wish to recommend another treatment which will be more suitable for you at this time.

If you’re taking any other medication you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking CosmoCol. Some medicines, such as antiepileptics, can interact with this product, making them less effective.

Storage Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

CosmoCol sachets are not suitable for use in children under the age of 12.

Do not use this product if you are allergic to macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium chloride, or any of the other listed ingredients.

This product should not be taken by those who have:

• A perforated gut wall
• A blockage in the intestine, e.g. gut obstruction, ileus
• Severe inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, toxic megacolon

Like all medications, CosmoCol can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects you should stop use and seek immediate medical assistance:

Symptoms of allergy, e.g. rash, itching, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

Symptoms of a change in your body’s fluid or electrolyte levels, e.g. swelling (especially in the ankles), feeling weak or increasingly tired, feeling thirsty with a headache

Other side effects you may experience include:

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Mild diarrhoea, which is usually a sign that you should reduce the number of sachets you take in a day
• Feeling sick
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Bloating
• Stomach rumbling
• Flatulence or wind
• A sore bottom

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product you should stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.