Microlax is a drug useful to treat constipation or constipation. Microlax is available in gel form in a 5 ml tube. This drug is used by inserting it into the anus (rectum).
Each 5 ml Microlax tube contains 0.045 grams of sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, 0.450 grams of sodium citrate, 0.625 grams of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, and 4.465 grams of sorbitol. Microlax works by absorbing water into the large intestine, softening the stool, and lubricating the lower part of the rectum to make stool easier to pass.
What is Microlax
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Purgative |
| Benefit | Overcoming difficult bowel movements or constipation |
| Used by | Babies, children and adults |
| Microlax for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not yet categorized. The content of Microlax is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Suppository gel |
Precautions Before Using Microlax
Note the following points before using Microlax:
- Do not use Microlax if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use this medicine if you have colitis, rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, or difficulty passing stools for 2 weeks or more (chronic constipation).
- Talk to your doctor about using laxatives if you have difficulty passing stools accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Talk to your doctor about using Microlax if you have or are currently suffering from lung disease, heart disease, kidney failure, or malabsorption syndrome.
- Talk to your doctor if you plan to use Microlax with certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Talk to your doctor about using Microlax if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after using Microlax.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Microlax
In general, the dosage for using Microlax to treat constipation (constipation) is:
- Mature: 1 tube (5 ml).
- child age on 3 years: 1 tube.
- child age under 3 years and baby: 0.5 tube (2.5 ml).
How to Use Microlax Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions on the packaging before using Microlax. When using Microlax, open the lid of the tube and gently press the tube until the gel comes out a little. Make sure you are in a squatting position or lying on your stomach, before inserting the entire neck of the Microlax tube into your rectum.
Next, press the drug tube slowly until the entire contents of the package enter the rectum. After that, tighten the anal muscles as when holding a bowel movement so that the Microlax gel does not flow out. Remove the neck of the Mikrolax tube from the anus and wait for about 5–30 minutes until the urge to defecate appears.
If you are giving Microlax to a child less than 3 years old or an infant, simply insert half the neck of the Microlax tube according to the line provided into the rectum. Then press the tube, until half the contents of the tube is empty. Keep the child in a lying position with both thighs close together to prevent the medicine from escaping.
Discard Microlax after use. Do not use Microlax for more than one week, unless directed by your doctor. Call your doctor if constipation persists after using Microlax.
To help prevent and treat constipation, you are advised to drink more water, eat fiber-rich foods, and do regular exercise.
Store Microlax in a cool and dry place. Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight and keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Microlax Interactions with Other Drugs
One of the ingredients in Microlax, namely sorbitol, can cause drug interactions when used with certain drugs, including:
- Decreased levels of lamivudine in the blood
- Increased risk of intestinal tissue death (intestinal necrosis) if sorbitol is used with calcium polystyrene sulfonate or sodium polystyrene sulfonate
However, specifically for Microlax products, until now there has been no definite interaction effect that can occur when used with drugs, herbal products, or supplements. To be safe, always tell your doctor if you plan to use Microlax with certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
Microlax Side Effects and Dangers
There have been no reports of side effects from using Microlax. However, if used in excess, Microlax can cause diarrhea. If not treated, this can result in fluid deficiency.
In addition, the sorbitol content in Microlax is known to cause some side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth.
Check with your doctor if you experience diarrhea after using Microlax. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to medication after using this medication.