Our bowel habits are normally a topic we keep to ourselves. As a result, it can be difficult to know what is ‘normal’ and when it may be appropriate to seek further advice. This is especially true as we get older when the rate of constipation increases from 15 per cent in the general population to 38 per cent in Australians aged over 74 years1.
There is a wide range of what is considered a ’normal’ bowel habit: from three stools per day to three stools per week.2 Constipation is usually defined as a combination of one or more of1:
- less than three bowel movements per week
- hard or lumpy stools
- straining when passing stools
- feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel
A doctor should be consulted if experiencing intense pain or the passing of blood at defecation.
Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors including low dietary fibre, dehydration or limited water intake, reduced physical activity and as a consequence of some medicines1. If addressing these three factors is not successful in maintaining a healthy bowel habit, the local pharmacy has a variety of options to help.
MOVICOL® Liquid Orange Flavour is one of the latest constipation treatments to hit the pharmacy shelves.
MOVICOL® Liquid is an iso-osmotic laxative that works by bringing water to the bowel to soften the stool and prompt a gentle, natural feeling bowel motion. 
MOVICOL® Liquid
- easy to prepare – no stirring needed
- 20 doses per 500 mL bottle
- suitable for adults and children from 12 years3
- available in pharmacy without a prescription
For more information visit your local pharmacy, www.MOVICOL.com.au/liquid or ask your doctor.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional
- IMPACT – Bowel Care For the Older Patient, Australia 2010
- Lee-Robichaud, H. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Vol 7 CD007570
- MOVICOL® Liquid (macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes) Patient Information Leaflet, April 2015
