Laxido Sachets orange

What are Laxido Sachets?

Laxido Sachets are a highly effective laxative treatment designed to relieve constipation. These sachets contain macrogol, an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the bowel to soften the stools and make them easier to pass.
They can be given to:

1. Treat constipation
2. Treat faecal impaction (build up of stool in your bowel)
3. Empty your bowels before a colonoscopy

They come are available as Laxido Original sachets and Laxido Orange sachets and are mixed with water to make a drink.

What can cause constipation?

Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and can be caused by a lifestyle factors such as a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, or a sedentary lifestyle. Other causes of constipation include certain medical conditions and medications such as opioids. When left untreated, constipation can lead to discomfort, bloating.

How does Laxido work?

Laxido is an osmotic laxative and works by drawing water into the bowel to soften the stools and make them easier to pass. The active ingredient in Laxido, macrogol 3350, is not absorbed into the body and remains in the bowel to increase the water content of the stools. This results in an easier bowel movement and relief from constipation.

How to use Laxido Sachets

To use Laxido Sachets:

1. Dissolve each sachet in 125ml of water. Stir well and drink.

The dose you will need to take depends on what you are using them for.
For constipation:

1. Take one sachet one to three times a day

For faecal impaction:

1. Take four sachets on the first day, then increase by 2 sachets a day, to a maximum of eight sachets a day, taken in divided doses

Make sure you drink plenty of water while taking Laxido Sachets to help them work. The sachets will typically take 24 to 48 hours to start working, depending on the severity of constipation.

Who cannot take Laxido?

Laxido orange sachets are generally safe for anyone over the age of 12. However they may be unsuitable if you:

1. Have ever experienced an allergic reaction to macrogol or any other ingredient in Laxido sachets.
2. Have had a perforation or breakage in the wall of your intestine.
3. Have ever experienced a blockage in your intestines or paralysis of the intestine (due to intestinal surgery or severe infection).
4. Have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or a rare condition called toxic megacolon.
5. Require thickeners to help you swallow liquids.
6. Are undergoing treatment for heart failure or an irregular heartbeat.
7. Have been advised to follow a low-salt (or low-sodium) diet, especially if you need 3 or more sachets a day for an extended period.

Laxido sachet ingredients

Each sachet contains 13.125g of macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and potassium chloride.

Side effects

You are unlikely to experience any side effects while using Laxido sachets, however like all medications, some people may experience side effects. Common side effects may include:

1. Abdominal discomfort
2. Nausea (feel sick)
3. Vomiting
4. Diarrhoea

However, these side effects are usually mild and should improve as the body adjusts to the medication. More serious side effects include:

1. Severe diarrhoea or vomiting
2. Feeling more tired than usual
3. Shortness of breath
4. Swollen ankles, feet or legs (oedema)
5. Muscle weakness
6. Irregular heartbeat

If you experience any of the above, contact 111 or your docotr for advice

Laxido and Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be a common side effect of Laxido sachets, if you experience diarrhoea while taking this medication it is important you stay hydrated. You may need to lower your dose if your diarrhoea persists.