Forlax Macrogol 4000 Powder

Forlax Macrogol 4000 Powder is an adult-strength osmotic laxative powder. Each sachet contains 10g of Macrogol 4000 and is dissolved in water to make an oral solution. It is supplied as a box of 20 sachets, and is sold in Malaysia through pharmacy chains including CARiNG Pharmacy, Sunway Multicare Pharmacy, and independent community pharmacies.

This adult 10g-per-sachet formulation is a different pack strength from Forlax Kids Powder, which contains 4g of Macrogol 4000 per sachet for children — the two should not be substituted for one another. Both belong to the same macrogol-based laxative-powder family, differing mainly in strength and the age group each pack is intended for.

As an OTC product, Forlax Macrogol 4000 Powder is available in Malaysia and Singapore through registered pharmacies and online pharmacies without needing a doctor’s prescription, though a pharmacist can advise on whether it is suitable for your situation, especially for longer-term or repeated use.

• Dissolve the contents of one sachet in a glass of water (at least 50ml) and stir well.
• Drink the prepared solution immediately after mixing; do not prepare it in advance.
• Take it as a single dose, preferably in the morning, though it can be taken at any convenient time of day.
• It may be taken with or without food.
• If taking two sachets a day, these can be split into two separate doses rather than combined into one large drink.

The usual adult dose is 1 sachet (10g) once daily, which can be increased to 2 sachets (20g) daily if needed, adjusted according to your response, and reduced again once bowel movements become regular. Effects are generally seen within 24 to 48 hours. If there is no improvement after a few days of use, or if you find you need it for more than a couple of weeks, check with a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing to increase the dose on your own.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.

• Common: mild bloating, abdominal discomfort, or excess gas, especially when starting treatment.
• Common: nausea.
• Common: loose or watery stools if the dose taken is higher than what you need.
• Serious: signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, which need immediate medical attention.

• Known hypersensitivity to macrogol (polyethylene glycol) or any of the other ingredients.
• Bowel obstruction or perforation, or severe abdominal pain of unknown cause.
• Severe inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease in an active, severe phase, or toxic megacolon.

• Taking this product at the same time as other oral medicines may reduce their absorption if bowel movements become frequent or urgent; if you take regular prescription medicines, ask your pharmacist whether the timing needs to be adjusted.
• No specific food interactions have been identified; it can be taken with or without meals.
• Combining this product with other laxatives is not usually necessary and may increase the risk of loose stools and dehydration; check with a pharmacist before combining laxative products.

• Mix each sachet with a full glass of water and drink it right away.
• Keep up your usual fluid intake through the day while using this product.
• Take it at roughly the same time each day if using it regularly, such as every morning.
• Start with the lower, one-sachet dose and only increase if needed.
• Keep sachets in their original box until you are ready to use them.
• Speak to a pharmacist if you find you need this product for more than a couple of weeks.

Precautions: Use with caution in elderly or frail patients, and in anyone with kidney problems or a condition affecting fluid and electrolyte balance. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check with a doctor or pharmacist before use. This adult-strength formulation is not intended for children below the age stated on the pack; a lower-strength paediatric version, Forlax Kids Powder, is sold separately.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if constipation does not improve after one to two weeks of use, if you notice blood in your stools, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, or if you find yourself needing a laxative repeatedly over a long period.