Microlax begins to act after a specific time. After how long and what needs to be done to make this happen faster, read the article.
At the end of the fifties of the last century, Swedish scientists Paul Gunnar Embring and Per Ove Mattsson created a unique gel with a laxative effect - Microlax . The drug consisted of only two components, and was created specifically for the Danish pharmacological company Pharmacia for use in narrow applications. Thus, until the sixty-fourth year, the drug was used only as a substance that cleanses the intestines before X-ray examination. Unlike other laxatives, Microlax did not disrupt the water-salt balance in the patients’ bodies.
- Later, the drug underwent a series of studies by American and Danish scientists.
- It was first recommended for use before examination of the rectum (sigmoidoscopy), and then generally approved as an alternative to a traditional enema to loosen the intestines.
- Since then, and for forty years now, Microlax have been known throughout the world as a universal laxative.
In this article you will find a description of the drug, instructions for use and how to use it for adults and children. Read on.
Pharmacology
The drug is a laxative. Intended for rectal use. The composition contains several active components that enhance each other’s effect on the human body, helping to soften stool and facilitate the process of defecation.
Sorbitol helps increase the amount of fluid entering the intestinal lumen, which increases the volume of stool and softens it. As a result, the process of defecation is greatly facilitated.
Sodium citrate helps displace fluid from stool.
As a result, water is displaced from the stool and the amount of fluid entering the intestines increases, which significantly facilitates the process of defecation in people who suffer from hemorrhoids and constipation.
The effect of the drug is observed within 5-10 minutes from the moment of using the microenema. But the effect of the drug may depend on the patient’s personal characteristics.
Information on pharmacodynamics is not available.
Microlax
Microlax ®
(English Microlax ®) - a laxative, a one-time enema. It is used for constipation, and in preparing the intestines for instrumental studies, such as colonoscopy, anorectal and colonic manometry, X-ray or ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity and others.
Dosage form and composition of Microlax
Dosage form and composition of Microlax is a solution for rectal administration, sold in pharmacies in the form of tubes, which are microenemas containing 5 ml of the drug solution. Active ingredients of Microlax:
- sodium citrate (90 mg in 1 ml solution)
- sodium lauryl sulfoacetate 70% – 12.9 mg (corresponds to 9 mg sodium lauryl sulfoacetate)
- sorbitol solution 70% – 893 mg (corresponds to 625 mg of sorbitol).
Excipients: glycerol, sorbic acid, aq.
How to use Microlax
Having broken off the seal on the tip, you need to lightly squeeze out a little Microlax solution in order to lubricate the inserted end of the tube. After this, the tip of the Microlax tube is inserted into the patient's anus. For children under three years of age, half the length of the tip is inserted; for all others, the entire length is inserted. After which, by pressing the tube, its contents are injected into the rectum. The pressure on the tube stops only after removing its tip from the patient's anus.
Microlax in pediatrics
The components that make up the drug Microlax have the following effect (Gorelov A.V., Shevtsova G.V.):
- sodium citrate is a peptizing agent that displaces bound water contained in feces
- sodium lauryl sulfoacetate dilutes the intestinal contents.
- sorbitol solution enhances the laxative effect by stimulating the flow of water into the intestinal lumen
- sorbic acid is a preservative
- glycerol - thickener
Thus, an increase in the amount of water due to peptization and liquefaction helps soften the stool and facilitate bowel movements.
Microlax can be used in patients with chronic constipation, including those complicated by encopresis, in preparation for endoscopic (rectoscopy) and x-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract. Microlax is approved for use in children, starting from the first days of life, as well as in pregnant and nursing mothers. The laxative effect usually occurs within 5-15 minutes. Long-term use of the drug is possible. Microlax is available in a micro-enema (a polyethylene tube with a tip and a break-off seal) for single use. For children over 3 years old, the tip is inserted into the rectum along its entire length and the contents of one microenema are squeezed out completely (5 ml). For newborns and children under 3 years of age, the tip is inserted halfway. The duration of use of Microlax and the treatment regimen are determined by the doctor.
By causing softening of stool and making defecation easier, Microlax makes it less painful, which is especially important for children. The child should get used to regular bowel movements and not avoid bowel movements due to unpleasant sensations that force him to hold stool. The absence of fear of using the potty allows for faster development of the reflex to defecation and social adaptation of the child.
The following qualities of Microlax allow it to be used in pediatric practice (Gorelov A.V., Shevtsova G.V.):
- Possibility of use even in newborns
- individual, disposable microenema
- ease and hygiene of drug administration
- a small volume of solution injected into the rectum, which allows you to hold it freely
- rapid onset of effect
- almost complete absence of contraindications (except for individual sensitivity to the components of the drug)
general information
Defecation occurs 5–15 minutes after administration of the drug.
There are no restrictions on the use of Microlax by pregnant and nursing mothers. According to the pharmacological index, Microlax belongs to the group “Laxatives in combinations”. According to ATC, Microlax belonged to the section “A06 Laxatives” and has the code “A06AG11 Lauryl sulfate, including in combination with other drugs.”
Firms -, Sweden, McNeil AB, Sweden, Famar Orleans, France (Johnson & Johnson).
Professional medical publications addressing the use of Microlax
- Gorelov A.V., Shevtsova G.V. Chronic constipation in children // Issues of practical medicine. – 2014. – T. 9. – No. 6. – P. 46-53.
On the website gastroscan.ru in the literature catalog there are sections “Laxatives” and “Constipation and Diarrhea”, containing professional medical articles relating to laxatives and their use for constipation.
Microlax has contraindications, side effects and application features; consultation with a specialist is necessary.
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How to use Microlax
The medicine is used rectally. Before giving an enema, you need to wash your hands well and thoroughly clean the area around the anus. The seal must be broken off immediately before insertion. After removing the seal, you need to press on the tube so that the solution comes out. After this, the tip is inserted into the anus and the entire contents of the tube are squeezed out. You need to take out the enema with the walls of the tube compressed.
From the age of 3, the tip must be inserted completely. For younger children, half will be enough. One enema will be enough for a one-time dose.
The frequency of use and dosage can only be determined by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Many people wonder about the emergence of addiction. Doctors say that you should not take the medicine for a long time. If a person has chronic constipation, then it is worth making an appointment with a doctor to undergo an examination and prescribe further treatment.
It is not recommended to take the medicine in parallel with alcoholic beverages.
Reviews about the drug are in most cases positive. In 95% of cases, the treatment takes place without any adverse reactions or discomfort. Parents note that Microlax has a much better and more effective effect on young children than other medications.
Microlax enema: how long does it take for adults to start working, after how many minutes?
Microlax enema
The Microlax enema is a popular remedy among patients who suffer from constipation or who need to cleanse the intestines, for example, before surgery. How long does it take for the drug to start working in adults, after how many minutes?
As mentioned above, the duration of action of this remedy in adults is purely individual and can vary from 5 minutes to an hour . It all depends on the general condition of the human body, his age, the characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract and the degree of congestion of the intestines with feces.
Analogs
To date, no drugs have been developed that could be classified as analogues of the active component. But there are analogues that are similar in the principle of influence and the list of indications for use. These products include glycerin suppositories, which can be given to adults and children from infancy. The cost of many analogues is lower.
Analogs based on the principle of action also include Glycerin and Norgalax. These drugs also have a laxative effect and are used rectally. Glycerin is also available in solution form for topical and external use.
Microlax for children and adults: differences
Microlax for children
There are no differences in the composition of the children's and adult versions. There are only two features of children's Microlax - the tube tip is shortened for the convenience of parents, and a small, prevailing difference in price. In general, the principle of action and method of use of the drug are the same for both adults and children, with the exception of a few features that will be discussed below.
Read the article on our website about the causes of constipation . You will also learn about vitamin D , which helps in healing the intestines.
Actions of Microlax in children: how many minutes does the drug take to work in a child?
Actions of Microlax in children
The duration of action of the drug in children from three years of age inclusive is identical to the time of action in adults. How many minutes does it take for the drug to work in a child?
- From 5 minutes to an hour
If, after reaching this period of time, the desired therapeutic effect is not achieved, it is prohibited to administer the Microlax microenema again. The child's parents should consult a doctor.
How to properly administer microenemas to adults and children?
The drug Microlax® is used rectally (inside the rectum), in the form of microenemas. It is available in convenient tubes - each containing 5 ml of solution - the optimal dose to cope with constipation.
The tip of the tube is also very convenient. It is of such a length that it can be completely inserted into the rectum of an adult or a child over 3 years old, as a result, the medicine will get to the right place and immediately begin to act.
For children under 3 years of age, the tip is inserted halfway. For convenience, there is a special mark on it.
How long can Microlax be used?
Microlax
The frequency of use of Microlax and how long they can be used is determined individually by the doctor for each individual case. Also, it should be noted that Microlax is not recommended for the treatment of chronic constipation. Requires careful use in case of serious heart and kidney diseases. Prohibited for use in case of rectal bleeding (including hemorrhoids), acute dehydration, diabetes mellitus and anuria.
Worth knowing:
- Despite the fact that Microlax is sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription and is widely known for its “harmlessness,” consultation before using it is still necessary.
- Allergic reactions are possible to any component of the drug.
- Side effects include a burning sensation in the rectal area, and less commonly, nausea and vomiting.
If at least one of these side effects is detected, you should stop using the product.
How long does it take for Microlax to work in pregnant women?
Enema Microlax
Microlax is approved for use by pregnant women during the 1st and 2nd trimesters. The effect of this drug is local, that is, localized only in the intestines and does not have any effect on the fetus. It should be noted that the duration of microenemas for pregnant women is identical to the time for non-pregnant adult women. On average it is 5-60 minutes .
Worth knowing:
- The prohibition of using Microlax in the third trimester in pregnant women is not related to the composition of the drug.
- This is due to the physiological peculiarities of this period, during which any relaxing or tonic effects on the pelvic muscles are undesirable.
Below you will find information about the use and effect of the product in children. Read on.
Microlax - how long does it take to work: reviews
Microlax
Read reviews from other people who write about how long it takes for Microlax to work. For each person, this remedy begins its action in its own way.
Irina, 34 years old
about Microlax when I was pregnant with my first child. Already in the first trimester I encountered troubles - constipation tormented me for three to four days. I tried herbal laxatives in tablet form and followed a diet. Nothing helped. I suffered like this for about a month, until I was admitted to the hospital for fetal preservation due to high blood pressure. There’s not much to do in the hospital, so you start sharing your sores. My roommate advised me to use Microlax for constipation. I was pleased with the packaging, it was very convenient to install. And most importantly, it helped me! The first time, in about ten minutes, everything worked. Then I gave it to the baby too, and it also helped quickly. Since then Microlax in my medicine cabinet.
Lyubov, 52 years old
Good drug! A little expensive, of course, but it's worth the money. I quickly put it on myself and it quickly starts to work. The tube itself is convenient - you can easily put it on both an adult and a child. In about fifteen minutes everything works out. My daughter-in-law took it to the maternity hospital, put it on herself before giving birth, and now puts it on her grandchildren from birth, when they had constipation for the first couple of weeks.
Evgeniya, 49 years old
My husband is a spinal disabled person. I’ve been bedridden for two years now, recovery is very slow, and I’m not really moving yet. And, of course, he has frequent constipation, his intestines are often clogged, and there are fecal stones especially at the exit. More often we get by with massages and proper diets. But if you have severe constipation like this, Microlax always helps. It softens everything at the exit and then everything that accumulates above can come out on its own. I don't know what we would do without him.
In what cases is it necessary to consult a doctor?
- Constipation does not go away despite the use of a laxative.
- Stool frequency is less than 3 times a week.
- Constipation is accompanied by other symptoms: abdominal pain, deterioration of health, fever, nausea, vomiting, etc.
And, of course, you shouldn’t get too carried away with laxatives. When the intestines constantly receive “doping”, over time it begins to be “lazy” to work on its own - addiction develops. This leads to the fact that normal bowel movements without a laxative become impossible.
Instructions for use of the drug Microlax®
Consultant Kulikov G.V.
