Question 1

When should I take Coloxyl?

Accepted Answer

You should always read the instructions on the pack before using your Coloxyl as there are different requirements depending on which product you are taking:

Coloxyl with Senna and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets: The recommended once-a-day dose should be taken with a glass of water at bedtime.

Coloxyl 50 mg tablets: Take the recommended 2 or 3 tablets twice a day.

Coloxyl Oral Drops (for infants): The recommended dose should be given 3 times a day and can be added to your child’s water or juice if required. The recommended dose will vary depending on your child’s age:

Under 6 months: 0.30 mL

6-18 months: 0.50 mL

18 months to 3 years: 0.80 mL

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or are unsure of how much Coloxyl to use.

Question 2

Should I take Coloxyl with food?

Accepted Answer

There has been no research on whether Coloxyl should be taken with or without food. It is generally recommended to be taken at night.

Question 3

Can I crush or chew my Coloxyl tablets?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl tablets are small, film coated, easy to swallow tablets.

If you have difficulty swallowing, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Question 4

Is Coloxyl lactose free?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl with Senna tablets are lactose, gluten and preservative free.

Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets are free from lactose and preservatives.

Coloxyl Oral Drops are lactose, gluten, dairy and milk free, and suitable for vegetarians.

Question 5

Is Coloxyl gluten free?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl with Senna tablets are gluten, lactose and preservative free.

Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets contain wheat starch and are NOT gluten free.

Coloxyl Oral Drops are lactose, gluten, dairy and milk free, and suitable for vegetarians.

Question 6

Does Coloxyl contain sugar?

Accepted Answer

No, Coloxyl with Senna tablets do not contain sugar but they do contain maltodextrin which may increase blood sugar levels.

No, Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets do not contain sugar.

Yes, Coloxyl Infant Drops do contain sugar.

Question 7

Do I need a prescription from my doctor to buy Coloxyl?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t need a prescription for any of our Coloxyl constipation products. They are available for purchase over the counter from most leading pharmacies, supermarkets and selected online retailers — just click on the “Where to buy” link to find your nearest retailer. 

Remember, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any constipation treatment, including Coloxyl. They will be able to advise you on how to manage your constipation and which Coloxyl product suits you best. 

A doctor may recommend or prescribe our Coloxyl products – Coloxyl with Senna and Coloxyl 50 mg are available to eligible patients on the RPBS.

Question 8

Can I take Coloxyl at the same time as my other medications or supplements?

Accepted Answer

If you are taking any medications — including prescription, over-the-counter or complementary medicines, or supplements and vitamins — you should always talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider before taking a laxative. They can advise you about any side-effects or interactions with other medications they may have.

Question 9

Can I take Coloxyl together with my fibre supplement?

Accepted Answer

Before trying a laxative, it’s usually recommended to try changing your diet (such as increasing the amount of fibre), drinking more fluids and exercising more regularly.
When these types of lifestyle changes are not working it may be useful to use a laxative for a short time – but if constipation is a problem it’s important to see your doctor to make sure there are no underlying causes.

Fibre supplements can sometimes aggravate or even cause constipation so always check with your doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns.

Question 10

Which Coloxyl product should I take?

Accepted Answer

Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before buying a laxative — they can help you choose the best one to help with your constipation. It’s also important to let them know if you are taking any medications as these may interact with the laxative.

Coloxyl products for adults and children over 12 years:

Coloxyl with Senna is a dual-action laxative containing two active ingredients (docusate sodium and sennosides). It helps stimulate movement and soften stools, and provides effective relief from constipation that starts to work in 6-12 hours.

Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets contain the active ingredient docusate sodium which helps soften stools providing gentle relief from constipation over 1 to 3 days.

For infants (0-3 years):

Coloxyl Infant Drops provide gentle constipation relief by helping to soften your child’s stools. They contain the active ingredient poloxamer.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Question 11

What Coloxyl can I give to my child who is over 3 years old?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl with Senna, Coloxyl 120 mg and the lowest strength Coloxyl 50 mg are only recommended for adults and children over 12 years of age.

Coloxyl Oral Drops should only be given to infants aged 3 years and under.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if your child is constipated — they can advise you on the best way to manage your child’s constipation and which product or dosage would be suitable for your child.

Question 12

Have any of the Coloxyl ingredients changed?

Accepted Answer

We have recently updated the Coloxyl packaging but we have not changed Coloxyl formulations or ingredients.

Question 13

How does Coloxyl work?

Accepted Answer

Laxatives help relieve constipation in different ways depending on the type of active ingredients they contain:

Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets contain one active ingredient called docusate sodium, which helps draw water into your stools, making them softer and easier to pass.

Coloxyl with Senna is a dual-action laxative containing two active ingredients docusate sodium and sennosides (senna). The docusate helps soften your stools while the senna stimulates your bowels to contract, helping to push the stool out.

Coloxyl Oral Drops contain the active ingredient poloxamer which is a stool softener. It works by helping to draw water into the stool, making it softer and easier for your child to pass.

Question 14

Should I keep my Coloxyl Infant Drops in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl Infant Drops do not require refrigeration; although they should be stored below 30oC.

Question 15

How should I store my Coloxyl tablets?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl with Senna tablets should be stored below 30oC.

Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets need to be stored below 25oC.

Question 16

Can I take Coloxyl while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Some constipation treatments can be used in pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Coloxyl 120 mg (and the lower dose Coloxyl 50 mg) is a gentle stool softener, which can be used to treat constipation in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

As always, it is essential to check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding – so talk to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist for advice on whether a laxative is suitable for you.

Question 17

What is considered a ‘normal’ bowel function for an adult?

Accepted Answer

Normal bowel functions vary widely between different people. Not everyone has a bowel motion every day; ‘normal’ can range from several times a day to three times per week. It is the change from this normal pattern that is important.

Question 18

What can cause constipation?

Accepted Answer

A number of factors can cause constipation. These include insufficient fibre in the diet, not enough water intake, lack of exercise, pregnancy, some medications and hormonal changes. Some cases of constipation may be due to medical conditions, so if you experience severe or recurrent constipation, it is important to see your doctor.

Question 19

Is constipation always associated with low fibre intake?

Accepted Answer

The general consensus amongst medical professionals is that increasing fibre and fluids intake can prevent constipation. There are however many other causes such as medications, pregnancy, reduced physical activity, changes in a person’s routine or ignoring the urge to go to the toilet which can all have an impact on the functioning of the bowel.

Question 20

When should I see my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes constipation is a symptom of a more serious condition. Check with your doctor if you have recurrent or severe cases of constipation or if bowel motions are blood-stained or black and tar-like, bowel habits change frequently from constipation to diarrhoea, if motions become painful to pass, or you are unwell experiencing fever, headache, vomiting and recent weight-loss.

Question 21

How long will Coloxyl take to work? Will I have to rush to the toilet?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl 50 mg is a gentle laxative that works gently to soften stools making them easier to pass. Because this happens gradually over 1-3 days, it should not generally result in an urgent rush to the toilet.
Coloxyl 120 mg contains a regular strength laxative that works to soften stools making them easier to pass. This softening process happens gradually over 1-3 days, and it does not generally result in an urgent rush to the toilet.
Coloxyl with Senna usually takes 6–12 hours to provide constipation relief. This is faster than Coloxyl 50 mg or Coloxyl 120 mg since Coloxyl with senna contains the stimulant laxative senna. It is recommended you take it at night so that you are ready to go to the toilet by the morning.
Coloxyl Infant Drops contains a stool softener that works to soften stools making them easier to pass. This softening process happens gradually over about 2-3 days.

Question 22

What are the side effects of taking Coloxyl?

Accepted Answer

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, and sometimes they are not. Some side effects of this product range include:

Coloxyl 50/120 mg: Rare: abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, rash
Coloxyl with Senna: Infrequent/rare: diarrhoea, abdominal cramps/discomfort, nausea, rash, fluid and electrolyte imbalance (with prolonged use or excessive use)
Coloxyl Infant Drops: abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea (with excessive doses)
Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information on potential side effects.

Question 23

Where can I purchase Coloxyl?

Accepted Answer

You can find the Coloxyl constipation treatment product range at your pharmacy, supermarkets and selected online retailers.

Question 24

Where is Coloxyl manufactured?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl is manufactured in Australia and has been providing effective relief from constipation for over 40 years.

Question 25

Is Coloxyl safe to use during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl 50 mg or Coloxyl 120 mg can be taken in pregnancy as with any medication always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking. A healthcare professional will assess the benefits of Coloxyl against the risks.

Question 26

Is Coloxyl safe to use while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl 50 mg or Coloxyl 120 mg can be taken whilst breastfeeding, but as with any medication check with your doctor or pharmacist first before taking. A doctor or pharmacist will assess the benefits of Coloxyl against the risks.

Question 27

Can children take Coloxyl 50 mg as it is a mild strength laxative?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl 50 mg is not recommended for children under 12 years.
Coloxyl Infant Drops can be used for constipation relief for children up to 3 years.

Question 28

How do I give my child Coloxyl Infant Drops?

Accepted Answer

Coloxyl oral drops is a liquid and comes with a syringe for easy and accurate dosing. The drops are a pleasant chocolate/caramel flavour but if needed, can be added to your child’s feeding bottle with their favourite fruit or water based drink.

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