What is Laxido Orange?
Laxido Orange is a sugar-free, orange-flavoured osmotic laxative used to treat constipation. It can also be used to treat faecal impaction, a condition where hardened stool becomes lodged in the bowel as a result of long-term constipation.
The active ingredient, macrogol 3350, works by drawing water into the bowel to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Laxido also contains electrolytes (sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium chloride) to help maintain the body's normal fluid and mineral balance during treatment.
How Does Laxido Work?
Laxido is an osmotic laxative. Unlike stimulant laxatives, such as Senna or Bisacodyl, which work by stimulating the nerves in the bowel wall, Laxido works by retaining water in the bowel. The active ingredient, macrogol 3350, is a large molecule that passes through the digestive system without being absorbed, drawing water with it into the stool. This increases the volume and softness of the stool, making it more comfortable and easier to pass. The electrolytes included in Laxido help prevent the loss of essential minerals that can occur when water is drawn into the bowel.
How Do I Take Laxido?
Dissolve the contents of one sachet in a glass of water (125ml, approximately a quarter of a pint). Stir thoroughly until all the powder is fully dissolved, then drink the solution.
What is the Usual Laxido Dosage for Adults?
For constipation, the dose for adults is one sachet taken one to three times daily, depending on the severity of symptoms. A course of treatment for constipation should not normally last longer than two weeks unless advised by your pharmacist.
For faecal impaction, the usual dose is eight sachets a day, all of which should be consumed within six hours. Treatment for faecal impaction should not normally last longer than three days. If you have a heart condition, do not take more than two sachets (dissolved in 250ml of water) in any one-hour period.
What is the Maximum Dose of Laxido in 24 Hours?
For constipation, the maximum dose of Laxido is three sachets in 24 hours.
For the treatment of faecal impaction, up to eight sachets may be taken within a six-hour window, but this higher dose should only be used for a maximum of three consecutive days.
Always follow the dosage instructions provided in the patient information leaflet and as directed by your pharmacist.
Can I Take 2 Sachets of Laxido Together?
Yes, you can take two sachets at the same time if your pharmacist has advised you to do so. The usual dose for constipation is one to three sachets per day, so taking two sachets at once falls within the recommended dose range. Each sachet should be dissolved separately in 125ml of water before drinking.
How Long Does Laxido Take to Work?
Laxido typically begins to take effect and produces a bowel movement within one to two days of taking the first dose. However, some patients may notice an improvement within six to twelve hours, whilst others may need up to three days to notice the full effect of the treatment. If your constipation has not improved after three days of treatment, speak to your pharmacist for further advice.
For faecal impaction, results are generally seen within the three-day treatment course.
Recommended reading: The Complete Guide to Digestive Health
How Long Does Laxido Stay in Your System?
Macrogol 3350, the active ingredient in Laxido, is not absorbed into the bloodstream and passes through the digestive system. It is excreted in the stool along with the water it has drawn into the bowel. The effects of a single dose generally last for 12 to 24 hours, although this can vary depending on individual bowel function.
When is the Best Time to Take Laxido?
Laxido can be taken at any time of day, but many patients find it most convenient to take it in the morning. It is recommended to take Laxido between meals rather than immediately before or after food. If you are taking Laxido more than once daily, space your doses evenly throughout the day.
Should I Take Laxido Before or After Food?
Laxido works best when taken between meals. Food does not affect how Laxido works, but taking it separately from meals can help reduce any bloating or discomfort. If you experience digestive discomfort when taking Laxido, try taking it at least 30 minutes before or one hour after eating.
Can I Take Laxido at Night?
Yes, Laxido can be taken at night if this is more convenient for you. Some patients prefer taking it in the evening so that it begins to work overnight. If you are taking only one sachet per day, choose a time that fits your routine and try to take it at the same time each day.
What are the Side Effects of Laxido?
Like all medicines, Laxido may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include stomach pain or discomfort, bloating, flatulence (wind), nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. These side effects are usually mild and usually resolve when the dose is reduced or treatment is stopped.
Uncommon side effects may include indigestion (dyspepsia), rumbling stomach sounds (borborygmi) and discomfort around the back passage (anorectal discomfort).
In rare cases, allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or hives may occur. If you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking Laxido and seek medical attention immediately.
How Long Do Laxido Side Effects Last?
Most side effects from Laxido are temporary and tend to resolve within the first few days of treatment or shortly after the dose is reduced. Diarrhoea, which is the most commonly reported side effect, usually settles when the dose is lowered. If side effects persist for more than a few days, speak to your pharmacist.
Does Laxido Cause Bloating?
Bloating and wind are known side effects of Laxido, particularly during the first few days of using the treatment. This occurs as Laxido draws water into the bowel, which can temporarily increase gas. To help reduce bloating, take Laxido between meals and avoid foods that can cause wind, such as beans, onions, cabbage and fizzy drinks. Symptoms tend to improve as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Does Laxido Cause Weight Gain?
Laxido is not associated with weight gain. Macrogol 3350 is not absorbed by the body and does not contain any calories. Any temporary changes in weight while taking Laxido are likely due to changes in bowel content and fluid retention rather than actual weight gain.
What Should I Do if Laxido is Not Working After 3 Days?
If you have been taking Laxido for three days without improvement, speak to a pharmacist. They may recommend adjusting your dose, switching to an alternative laxative or investigating any underlying causes of your constipation. Do not increase the dose of Laxido without medical advice.
Can I Take Laxido Every Day?
Laxido can be taken daily for up to two weeks if you are taking Laxido to treat constipation. If daily use is required beyond this period, speak to your pharmacist.
Is Laxido the Same as Movicol?
Laxido and Movicol both contain the same active ingredient, macrogol 3350, along with the same combination of electrolytes. They work in the same way and are used to treat the same conditions. The only difference between the two is the branding and sachet flavours available.
Laxido vs Lactulose: What is the Difference?
Laxido (macrogol 3350) and lactulose are both osmotic laxatives, but they work in slightly different ways. Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that is broken down by bacteria in the bowel, drawing water into the stool. Laxido works by directly retaining water in the bowel without being broken down by bacteria, which means it is less likely to cause the gas and bloating that are commonly associated with lactulose.
Is Laxido a Stool Softener?
Laxido is classified as an osmotic laxative rather than a stool softener, although it does have a stool-softening effect. It works by drawing water into the bowel to increase the water content of the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Traditional stool softeners (such as docusate sodium) work by allowing water and fats to penetrate the stool surface.
Can You Buy Laxido Over the Counter?
Yes, Laxido is classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, which means it can be purchased without a prescription but must be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist. You can buy Laxido over the counter from pharmacies or online from registered UK-based pharmacy services such as Pharmica.
Laxido Ingredients
- Macrogol 3350 (13.125g)
- Sodium chloride (350.7mg)
- Sodium hydrogen carbonate (178.5mg)
- Potassium chloride (46.6mg)
- Acesulfame potassium (sweetener)
- Orange flavour (containing maltodextrin and propylene glycol)