Movicol 13.7g Sachets Chocolate (pack of 30)

What Are Movicol Chocolate Sachets and How Do They Help?

Constipation is something most people experience at some point, and it can be genuinely uncomfortable — leaving you feeling bloated, sluggish, and frustrated. Movicol chocolate sachets offer a clinically established way to relieve constipation by working gently with your body rather than forcing it. Each 13.7g sachet contains macrogol 3350 alongside a balanced mix of electrolytes, and the mild chocolate flavour makes it considerably easier to take than many other laxative preparations. You can browse our full range of constipation treatments if you'd like to compare your options before deciding.

This pack contains 30 sachets, giving you a reliable supply whether you're managing a short-term episode or a longer-term pattern of constipation. It's available over the counter — no prescription required — and is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over when used as directed.

How Does Movicol Work to Relieve Constipation?

Movicol belongs to a class of medicines called osmotic laxatives. Rather than stimulating the bowel muscles directly, it works by retaining water within the intestine. This softens the stool and increases its bulk, making it far easier to pass. Here's a simple breakdown of the mechanism:

• Macrogol 3350 is a long-chain polymer that is not absorbed by the gut wall.
• It binds water molecules within the bowel, preventing them from being reabsorbed into the body.
• The increased water content softens hard, dry stools.
• Stool bulk increases, which stimulates natural bowel movement.
• The electrolytes (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride) help maintain your body's fluid and salt balance during treatment.

Because macrogol is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it acts locally in the gut. This makes it well tolerated for most people and suitable for use over several weeks if needed.

Who Is Movicol Suitable For?

Movicol chocolate sachets are suitable for a wide range of people dealing with constipation. That said, it's not appropriate for everyone, so it's worth checking the guidance below before you start.

This product is generally suitable for:

• Adults aged 18 and over experiencing constipation or faecal impaction
• Adolescents aged 12–17 years (at adult doses, under appropriate guidance)
• People who find plain or unflavoured laxative sachets difficult to take
• Those who need a laxative that doesn't cause sudden urgency or cramping

It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age in this formulation. If you're looking for options for younger children, our baby and toddler range includes age-appropriate products. Always check with a pharmacist if you're unsure whether Movicol is right for you or your family member.

How Do Movicol Chocolate Sachets Compare to Other Laxatives?

How Should You Store Movicol Chocolate Sachets?

Store your Movicol chocolate sachets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach and sight of children. Once a sachet has been dissolved in water, the solution should be used within one hour — don't prepare it in advance and leave it sitting out. Check the expiry date printed on the outer carton before use and do not use the product after that date.

If you're managing a digestive condition alongside constipation — such as IBS — it may be worth exploring our IBS and cramps range for complementary support. Movicol chocolate sachets are a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Movicol and What Is It Used For?

Movicol 13.7g Chocolate Sachets contain macrogol 3350 — an osmotic laxative — combined with electrolytes. It is used to treat constipation in adults and adolescents aged 12 and over. It is also used to treat faecal impaction, which is a more severe form of constipation where a large, hard mass of stool becomes stuck in the rectum. The NHS describes constipation as passing fewer than three stools per week, or passing stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Movicol works by drawing water into the bowel to soften and loosen stools, making them easier to pass naturally.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Movicol?

Before using Movicol chocolate sachets, read the following carefully. There are certain situations where this medicine should not be used.

Do not use Movicol if you have:

• A known allergy to macrogol or any of the other ingredients
• A bowel obstruction or perforation
• Paralytic ileus (a condition where the bowel stops working)
• Severe inflammatory bowel disease such as toxic megacolon
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in a severe flare

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you:

• Have heart, kidney, or liver problems
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a condition that affects your fluid or electrolyte balance
• Are taking other medicines regularly
• Have had recent bowel surgery

Drug interactions:

• Movicol is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream, so clinically important drug interactions are rare at standard doses.
• However, if you take medicines that require careful blood level monitoring (such as certain epilepsy medicines), speak to your pharmacist before starting Movicol.
• Avoid taking other medicines within one hour of a Movicol dose, as the increased gut motility may theoretically affect absorption.

How Should You Use Movicol Chocolate Sachets?

Always use Movicol exactly as directed on the packaging or as advised by your pharmacist or doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

1. Open one sachet and pour the powder into a cup or glass.
2. Add 125ml (approximately half a cup) of water.
3. Stir well until the powder is completely dissolved — this usually takes about a minute.
4. Drink the solution straight away. Do not store it for later use.
5. Take your daily doses spread throughout the day rather than all at once.
6. Drink plenty of additional fluids throughout the day to support the treatment.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Movicol Chocolate Sachets?

Like all medicines, Movicol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and tend to settle as your body adjusts.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Bloating or flatulence
• Abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea (particularly if the dose is too high)

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Vomiting
• Electrolyte disturbances (more likely with high doses or prolonged use)
• Allergic reactions — including rash, urticaria, or in rare cases, anaphylaxis
• Peripheral oedema (swelling of the ankles or feet)

If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction — such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash — stop taking Movicol and seek emergency medical help immediately. You can also find support for related digestive symptoms through our diarrhoea range if loose stools become a concern during treatment.

How Should You Store Movicol Chocolate Sachets?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
• Once dissolved in water, use the solution within one hour and do not refrigerate it.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused sachets to your pharmacy.

If you're supporting your overall gut health alongside constipation management, it may be worth looking at our vitamins and supplements range for fibre and probiotic options that complement a healthy digestive routine.