MACROLAX*RECTAL SOLUTION FL 120ML

Macrolax 36 g + 0.24 g rectal solution
non-crystallizable liquid sorbitol + docusate sodium

What it is and what it is used for
Macrolax is a rectal solution containing two active ingredients: non-crystallizable liquid sorbitol and docusate sodium.
These two substances belong to the class of laxatives and work by softening the stool and stimulating the intestine to eliminate it.
This medicine is used for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation.
Consult your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after a few days.

Health education notes:
Many people think they suffer from constipation if they do not have a bowel movement every day.
This is a mistaken belief, as this situation is completely normal for a large number of individuals.
Constipation, instead, refers to a situation where bowel movements are reduced compared to one's personal habits and are associated with the emission of hard stools.
In most cases, a balanced diet rich in water and fiber (bran, vegetables, and fruit) can permanently resolve the problem of constipation.
If episodes of constipation occur repeatedly, a doctor should be consulted.

What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not use Macrolax
- if you are allergic to the active ingredients or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in paragraph 6);
- if you have problems with the last part of the intestine called the rectum (rectal bleeding of unknown origin);
- if you have abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting;
- if you have intestinal problems (intestinal obstruction or stenosis);
- if you are dehydrated;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (see paragraph Pregnancy and breastfeeding);
- if you are under 12 years of age (see paragraph Warnings and precautions).

Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor before using Macrolax:
• if constipation is persistent. The treatment of chronic or recurrent constipation always requires medical intervention for diagnosis, prescription of medicines, and monitoring during therapy;
• if you have noticed a sudden change in your bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of bowel movements) that has lasted for more than two weeks;
• if you are elderly or your health conditions are not good.
Consult your doctor even if, after a short period of treatment with this medicine, you do not obtain appreciable results.

Do not use this medicine for prolonged treatments.
The abuse of laxatives (frequent or prolonged use or with excessive doses) can cause:
• dependence and therefore the possible need to progressively increase the dose;
• chronic constipation;
• loss of the normal capacity of the intestine (intestinal atony);
• persistent diarrhea which can lead to loss of water, mineral salts (especially potassium) and other essential nutrients. In more severe cases, dehydration or a decrease in blood potassium (hypokalemia) may occur, which can lead to heart dysfunctions or nerve dysfunctions that control the muscles. The risk is increased if you are simultaneously treated with heart medicines (cardiac glycosides), medicines used against high blood pressure (diuretics) or medicines used against allergies and inflammation (corticosteroids).

Children
In children under 12 years of age, the medicine can only be used after consulting a doctor.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Occasionally, cramp-like pain or abdominal colic may occur, which are more frequent in cases of severe constipation.

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.