Micralax micro-enema contains sodium citrate, sodium alkyldulphoacetate, sorbic acid, sorbitol and glycerol.

How does it work?

  • Micralax micro-enema contains sodium citrate, sodium alkyldulphoacetate, sorbic acid, sorbitol and glycerol.
  • Sodium citrate is an osmotic laxative that works by causing water to be drawn into the large bowel. It increases the water content and volume of the bowel contents, which softens the stools and also stimulates the bowel to contract and move its contents along to the rectum.
  • Glycerol works by irritating the nerves in the bowel wall.
These nerves make the muscles in the bowel contract harder and more often, which helps move the stools along.
  • Sodium alkylsulphoacetate helps to lubricate the stools.
  • Sorbic acid and sorbitol both also have a laxative effect.
  • The combined action of these laxatives helps to soften hard stools and relieve constipation without straining.
  • How do I use it?

    • This medicine is for rectal use only and must not be taken by mouth.
    • After removing the cap from the nozzle on the tube, squeeze out a drop of the solution to lubricate the tip of the nozzle. Gently insert the full nozzle into the back passage (rectum). Squeeze out the entire contents of the tube into the rectum and then gently remove the nozzle, still squeezing the tube tightly. Dispose of the tube carefully.
    • Each tube is for single use only.

    Warning!

    • Prolonged use of this medicine should be avoided. If symptoms persist, you need to use a laxative every day, or if you have persistent abdominal pain, you should consult your doctor for advice. Prolonged use may also affect the absorption of some vitamins and cause diarrhoea and fluid loss.

    Use with caution in

    • Elderly or debilitated people.
    • Children over three years of age. This medicine should only be used to treat constipation in children when prescribed by a doctor.

    Not to be used in

    • Children under three years of age.
    • People with inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
    • Acute gastrointestinal conditions.
    • This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

    If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

    Pregnancy and breastfeeding

    Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

    • There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy. It can be used to relieve constipation in pregnancy. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
    • There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

    Side effects

    Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

    • Abdominal cramps.
    • Excessive use may cause anal irritation, diarrhoea and fluid loss.

    The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

    For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

    How can this medicine affect other medicines?

    This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines. However, if you are already taking any other medicines, particularly any other laxatives, it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this one as well.

    References:

    http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestive-health/a7096/micralax-micro-enema/

    https://www.microlax.com.au/microlax/step-by-step-instructions

    https://www.microlax.com.au/faq

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_citrate/sodium_lauryl_sulfoacetate/glycerol

     

    Health Reference: Constipation