POLOXAMER 188

Brand & Generic Names

Alaxin

Poloxalkol

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Laxative (emollient)

Uses

Constipation relief.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid. Don't open capsules.

When to take:
At the same time each day, preferably bedtime.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Wait 12 hours for next dose. Return to regular schedule.

What drug does:
Makes stool hold fluid so it is easier to pass.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 3 days of continual use.

Don't take with:
Other medicines at same time. Wait 2 hours.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Throat irritation (liquid only), intestinal and abdominal cramps.

Rare:

Rash.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any emollient laxative.
• You have abdominal pain and fever that might be appendicitis.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you are taking other laxatives.
• To be sure constipation isn't a sign of a serious disorder.

Over age 60:
You must drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid every 24 hours for drug to work.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
No problems expected.

Prolonged use:
Avoid. Overuse of laxatives may damage intestine lining.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Danthron	Possible liver damage.
Digitalis	Toxic absorption of
preparations*	digitalis.
Mineral oil	Increased mineral oil absorption
	into bloodstream. Avoid.
Phenolphthalein	Increased phenolphthalein
	absorption. Possible toxicity.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.