Micro enema Mikrolax: how does a laxative work, its benefits and contraindications

If you are frequently constipated, it may be because of a lack of water in your stools. This situation occurs when too much fluid is absorbed in the intestines. One way to help avoid constipation is to include a lot of fiber in your diet, which will make your stools bulkier and softer. These include legumes, whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables.

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is also essential for preventing constipation. At the same time, if you are having problems with constipation, then it is worth limiting your intake of foods high in fat and low in fiber, such as cheese and other dairy products.

In many cases, simple household remedies can help relieve constipation. For example, you can drink a teaspoon of olive oil on an empty stomach to lubricate the stomach lining and stimulate digestion.

But most often, relief from constipation occurs after the use of a laxative. One of the most effective and harmless remedies is Mikrolax micro enema (there is also another spelling of this remedy - micro enema). It has an osmotic (thinning) effect on the stool, acts locally in the rectum and its effect is felt within 5 to 30 minutes.

Features of the drug

Microclysters Mikrolax is a fast-acting agent from the pharmacological group of laxative combined drugs. It works by liquefying stool and helping to smooth bowel movements without irritating the intestinal lining. The photo shows that each micro enema is a tube with a solution for rectal use. This tube contains 5 ml of solution, which is equivalent to one teaspoon. Before using Mikrolax, no pre-antiseptic treatment of the anus is required.

The action of the gel-like contents of microclysters at the local and physical level has a minimal effect on intestinal activity, unlike other laxatives.

Each micro enema Microlax contains the following active ingredients:

• sodium citrate 450 mg;
• sodium lauryl sulfoacetate 745 mg;
• sorbitol 3.125 g

Microlax also contains glycerin, sorbic acid and purified water up to 5 ml.

Indications for use

Microlax can be used whenever there is a need to relieve constipation or cleanse the intestines, when there are certain disorders of bowel movement and in preparation for the examination of the rectum (posterior passage).

How Microlax works and to whom it is contraindicated

The drug (5 ml) is easy to use, it takes effect imperceptibly and quickly in the rectum. The active substances - sodium citrate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and sorbitol - thin the stool, thus softening the stool. The predictable result comes within 30 minutes.

The way Microlax works has no effect on intestinal activity. There is a low potential for habituation or dependence.

Microlax begins its action if there is feces in the rectum, which can be softened. If you are fasting, dieting, or reducing your food intake, it may take several days for the rectum to fill up and thus allow the micro enema to work.

Sometimes the effect of Mikrolax does not occur half an hour after its introduction into the anus, as the instructions for use promise. This is due to the fact that everyone's digestive system is different. In some cases, there may be a delay of up to an hour before the medicinal product takes effect. If nothing happened, after an hour you can use a second tube of Mikrolax. If you still do not get any relief from constipation after using the second miniclysm, please consult a doctor who can determine the cause of the constipation and prescribe the best alternative treatment.

Microlax has many advantages. Here are the main ones:

• Microlax has a low risk of addiction, so it can be used every day for a short period of time. However, it is not intended for long term use. If you suffer from daily constipation, see your doctor who will find out the causes of this condition and suggest the best alternative treatment.
• You can use Microlax even for newborn babies.
• Since doctors know how Microlax works (locally and only in the rectum), they prescribe this remedy to pregnant women and patients during lactation. However, you should consult a gynecologist before using Microlax for the first time during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there are contraindications to the use of this remedy. Some women fear that micro enema can cause premature labor, but there is no connection between the rectum and the onset of labor.
• Microlax can be used when you are breastfeeding, since the active substances are not absorbed by the body and therefore cannot pass into breast milk.
• There have been no reports of the interaction of Mikrolax with other drugs.

Side effects

The most common side effects of Microlax microclysters are nausea, skin rash, indigestion, skin irritation, and vomiting.

Contraindications

Microlax may not help with chronic constipation, since micro enema is not intended to treat this condition.

Micro enema Microlax should not be used if you have:

• acid-base imbalance disorders or diabetes;
• acute dehydration;
• anuria;
• azotemia;
• intolerance to fructose;
• heat cramps;
• hyperkalemia;
• impaired renal function with oliguria;
• serious heart or kidney problems;
• severe myocardial damage;
• sodium-restricted diet;
• Addison's disease.

Precautionary measures

Before using this medication, tell your doctor about your allergic reactions and current health conditions (such as pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.). Certain health conditions can increase your susceptibility to drug side effects.

Take Mikrolax with caution when:

• stomach ache;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• rectal bleeding.

Laxative Microlax: rules of use for children and adults

To use the laxative as directed, unscrew the cap and dispense a drop of solution from the tube. This will make it even easier to insert the tip of the probe into your rectum.

1. Sit on the toilet in your usual position, or just sit down a little and insert the mouth of the Microlax laxative completely into the rectum. The small, rounded tip is thinner than a suppository and can be inserted safely and painlessly when used as directed, even for children under 3 years of age.
2. Gently squeeze the entire contents (5 ml only) from the tube into the rectum.
3. Remove the tip from the rectum. Tighten the muscles of the anus to prevent leakage of microclysters from the rectum.

Pregnant

Constipation during pregnancy is a common and often painful and uncomfortable condition. According to statistics, about a third of pregnant women suffer from constipation, especially in the last three months of pregnancy. Microlax laxative is suitable for pregnant women, it has a local effect in the rectum and has no effect on the fetus. It can be used both before and after childbirth. However, it serves only as a temporary measure to get rid of constipation.

• Microlax is used rectally (5 ml), lying on its side or on the back.
• Before you insert the tip of the enema into the anus, you need to break off the filling that seals the tip of the enema.
• Then squeeze out a drop of the drug to facilitate its administration, insert the tip into the anus and squeeze out the entire contents of Mikrolax into the rectum.

For children

Tips for using Mikrolax in children under 3 years of age.

The Microlax laxative is best used when the baby is in the normal position for changing diapers.

• It is only necessary to insert the tip of the tube halfway (see markings on the neck of the micro enema) into the anus of the child, and squeeze only half of the contents into the rectum of the child.
• After that, gently bring the baby's legs together and hold them for a while to prevent leakage of the micro enema contents.

It is not recommended to use the entire contents of micro enema for a child under 3 years old. Please use only half tube for young children.

The average cost of Mikrolax laxative in pharmacies is 313 rubles for a package of 4 pieces and 704 rubles for a package of 12 pieces.

Analogs

The only analogue of Mikrolax with a similar form of release is Enema Klin solution (price from 231 rubles per 120 ml). It is produced by the Pakistani company Nabikasim Industries.

Also drugs similar in laxative effect are:

• plant-based Rect asset candles;
• glycerin candles;
• Duphalac (oral solution);
• Fortrans (powder from which the oral solution is prepared).

Reviews

Reviews of this laxative are mostly positive. It is praised for its quick effect, the ability to use it from the first days of life, a minimum of contraindications, and ease of use. Of the negative aspects, users note a slight burning sensation when using Microlax and the high cost of the drug.