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:
- Treat constipation
- Treat faecal impaction (a build-up of stool), once a clinician has confirmed the diagnosis
The product on this page is Laxido Orange: orange-flavoured sachets that you dissolve in water. Some other macrogol products are used for bowel preparation, but do not use this constipation dose to prepare for a colonoscopy. Follow the bowel-preparation instructions supplied by your hospital.
What can cause constipation?
Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and can be caused by lifestyle factors such as a lack of fibre 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 and 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
These directions are for adults and children aged 12 and over taking Laxido Orange.
- 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:
- Take one sachet one to three times a day
For faecal impaction confirmed by a clinician:
- The usual course is eight sachets a day, taken within six hours, for no more than three days.
- You can dissolve all eight sachets in one litre of water.
- If you have a heart condition, take no more than two sachets in any hour and follow your clinician’s advice.
Keep drinking your usual fluids as well as the water used to mix Laxido. Constipation generally begins to improve over a day or two. A usual constipation course lasts up to two weeks; speak to your doctor if you still need treatment after that.
Keep other oral medicines at least one hour before or one hour after Laxido. If you use a starch-based thickener for swallowing problems, speak to your clinician: macrogol can make it thinner and unsafe to swallow.
If you do not drink a prepared solution straight away, cover it, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within six hours. Store unopened sachets below 25°C.
Who cannot take Laxido?
Laxido Orange is for ages 12 and over. It is not suitable for everyone. Do not take it with a bowel blockage or perforation, severe inflammatory bowel disease or an allergy to an ingredient. Tell a pharmacist or doctor about the following before treatment:
- Have ever experienced an allergic reaction to macrogol or any other ingredient in Laxido sachets.
- Have had a perforation or breakage in the wall of your intestine.
- Have ever experienced a blockage in your intestines or paralysis of the intestine (due to intestinal surgery or severe infection).
- Have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or a rare condition called toxic megacolon.
- Require thickeners to help you swallow liquids.
- Are undergoing treatment for heart failure or an irregular heartbeat.
- 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 Laxido Orange sachet contains macrogol 3350 13.125g, sodium chloride 350.7mg, sodium hydrogen carbonate 178.5mg and potassium chloride 46.6mg. Other ingredients are acesulfame potassium and orange flavour. Each sachet contains 187mg sodium; check with a pharmacist if you follow a low-sodium diet, especially for prolonged treatment with three or more sachets daily.
Side effects
Laxido can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. These include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea (feel sick)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
However, these side effects are usually mild and should improve as the body adjusts to the medication. More serious side effects include:
- Severe diarrhoea or vomiting
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles, feet or legs (oedema)
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
Stop taking Laxido and contact NHS 111 or a doctor urgently for these symptoms, as they may indicate dehydration or a change in fluid or salt balance. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Laxido take to work?
Laxido usually begins to ease constipation over a day or two. The effect varies with your symptoms and dose. Keep drinking fluids and follow the supplied directions; do not move to the faecal-impaction dose unless a clinician has diagnosed impaction.
How long can I use Laxido for?
The duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your symptoms. In general a short-term course is recommended and if you need to take it for longer than two weeks you should consult your doctor.
Can Laxido help with weight loss?
No, Laxido is not intended for weight loss and should not be used as a weight loss aid. It will only cause you to lose weight due to water loss. However this is dangerous and not sustainable. Prolonged use of Laxido can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications, which can be harmful to your health.
