Consumer medicine information

MICROLAX®

Microenema 5 mL


Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet?

Please read this leaflet carefully before you use Microlax.

This leaflet answers some of the most commonly asked questions about Microlax. It does not contain all the available information and it does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Use Microlax as instructed and follow the advice provided in this leaflet.

If you have concerns about this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again.

What Microlax is used for

Microlax may be used whenever there is a need to relieve constipation or open the bowels, when there are certain disturbances of bowel movement or opening of the bowels, and in preparation for examination of the rectum (back passage).

Microlax is a fast acting enema which works to soften bowel motions and gently assist bowel emptying without irritating the lining of the bowel.

When you must not use Microlax

Do not use Microlax if you know that you are allergic to any of the ingredients which are listed under the heading, “Product Description”, at the end of this leaflet.

Do not use Microlax after the expiry date printed on the box or on the bottom end of the tube.

Do not use Microlax if the packaging is torn or shows signs that it may have been opened.

Do not use Microlax to treat any other complaint unless your doctor says it is safe.

Using Microlax

How to use Microlax

Microlax is easy to use and is usually effective within 30 minutes, in adults and in children:

  1. Twist and pull the seal off the nozzle.
  2. Squeeze the tube slightly so that a drop of Microlax smears the tip and thus makes insertion easier.
  3. Insert the nozzle fully into the rectum (back passage).

NB. In children under 3 years of age, insert only half the length of the nozzle (see indication on the nozzle).

  1. Squeeze out the contents fully by squeezing the shoulder of the tube.
  2. Keeping the tube squeezed tightly, withdraw the nozzle.

General recommendations about the use of laxatives:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Increase fibre in the diet
  • Prolonged use of laxatives is undesirable and may lead to dependence
  • If symptoms persist seek medical advice.

In case of overdose

Contact your doctor or seek medical advice if you think you have used too much Microlax.

Have the Microlax tube or box or this leaflet available to give details if needed.

Advice may also be obtained from a Poisons Information Centre. The telephone number for your regional centre can be found in the telephone directory.

Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.

While you are using Microlax

If you have any concerns whilst using Microlax, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects

Microlax, like all medicines, may cause unwanted side effects in some people.

A slight rectal burning sensation has occasionally been reported. Individual cases of allergy or abnormal reaction (general skin reaction with or without low blood pressure or breathing difficulties) have also been reported.

If these effects do not go away or they are worrying you, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Some people may get other side effects while using Microlax.

If you notice any other side effects or have any concerns whilst using Microlax, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

After using Microlax

Storage

Microlax should be kept in a place where the temperature stays below 30°C.

Do not store Microlax or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.

KEEP MICROLAX OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Disposal

Empty tubes of Microlax may be safely disposed of by wrapping in paper and placing in the garbage. Un-used tubes of Microlax which have gone past the expiry date printed on the box or tube should be returned to your pharmacist.

Product Description

What Microlax looks like

Microlax microenemas come in a white, plastic squeeze tube with a long, thin insertion nozzle and a breakable seal. This seal must be removed before use.

Each microenema tube contains 5 mL of solution.

Ingredients

Each Microlax tube contains the following active ingredients: sodium citrate 450mg, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate 45mg and sorbitol 3.125g.

Microlax also contains glycerol, sorbic acid and purified water, to 5 mL.

Identification

Microlax microenemas can be identified by the Australian Register Number, AUST R 14480, which is found printed on the tube and on the label of the box.

Microlax microenemas are made in Sweden and supplied,

In Australia by:
Pharmacia (Australia) Pty. Ltd. Pharmacia
ACN 001 025 814
4 Byfield Street
North Ryde NSW 2113

In New Zealand by:
6B Cawley Street
Ellerslie
Auckland New Zealand

This leaflet was prepared October 1995 and revised April 1996.

Published by MIMS May 2001