FORLAX POWDER FOR ORAL SOLUTION 4G/SACHET

1. WHAT Forlax® 4 g IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

Forlax® 4 g contains the active substance Macrogol 4000 and belongs to a group of medicines called osmotic laxatives. It works by adding water to the stools, which helps to overcome problems caused by very slow bowel movements. Forlax® 4 g is not absorbed into the bloodstream or broken down in the body.

Forlax® 4 g is used for the treatment of constipation in children from 6 months to 8 years of age.
This medicine is a powder that you dissolve in a glass of water and drink. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to work.

The treatment of constipation with any medicine should only be an addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet.

2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GIVE Forlax® 4 g

Do not give Forlax® 4 g:

• if your child is allergic (hypersensitive) to macrogol (polyethylene glycol) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6 – please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information).
• if your child has an existing disease, such as, severe intestinal disease
  • inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, abnormal dilation of the bowel)
  • perforation of the bowel or risk of perforation of the bowel
  • ileus or suspicion of intestinal obstruction
  • painful abdominal syndromes of uncertain cause

Do not give this medicine if any of the above applies to your child. If you are not sure, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before giving the medicine.

3. HOW TO USE Forlax® 4 g

Always take Forlax® 4 g exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The recommended dose is dependent on your child’s age –

• From 6 months to 1 year: one sachet per day,
• From 1 to 4 years: one to two sachets per day
• From 4 to 8 years: two to four sachets per day

Dissolve the contents of the sachets in a glass of water (at least 50 ml) immediately before use and give to your child to drink. If only one sachet is needed, give your child the medicine in the morning. If more than one sachet is needed give your child the medicine in the morning and evening.

In children over one year of age, the daily dose can be adjusted according to the effect obtained.

Please note:

• Forlax® 4 g usually takes 24 to 48 hours to work.
• The duration of treatment with Forlax® 4 g should not exceed 2 weeks in children.
• Improvement in the frequency of your child’s bowel movements after taking Forlax® 4 g can be maintained by keeping to a healthy lifestyle and diet.
• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if the symptoms worsen or do not improve after two weeks.

If you give more Forlax® 4 g than you should

Giving too much Forlax® 4 g may cause diarrhoea, stomach pains or vomiting. The diarrhoea usually disappears when treatment is stopped or the dose reduced.

If your child suffers from severe diarrhoea or vomiting you should contact a doctor as soon as possible as your child may require treatment to prevent loss of salts (electrolytes) from fluid loss.

If you forget to give Forlax® 4 g
Give the next dose as soon as you remember but do not give a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.