Forlax (Macrogol) is an osmotic laxative whose active ingredient is macrogol. It draws water into the bowel, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. It is mainly used to treat constipation and faecal impaction, and to prepare the bowel before certain examinations [1]. The sachet is dissolved in water and usually takes a few days to show an effect. A doctor or pharmacist determines the dose. Children may receive it only on a doctor's prescription, and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) sets its official price in Jordan.
What is Forlax and how does it work?
Forlax is a brand name for a powder containing macrogol. In Jordan it is available as sachets, each containing 10 grams, according to the page Forlax (macrogol) in the ClinicsJo drug directory. Macrogol belongs to the class of osmotic laxatives. It draws water into the bowel, making the stool softer and easier to pass [1].
Forlax works by a physical rather than a chemical mechanism. The water in which the dose is mixed passes through the bowel and is not absorbed into the body [1]. For this reason, it is not expected to work within hours, as some stimulant laxatives do. It usually takes two to three days before its effectiveness can be judged.
What is constipation?
Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. The stool may be hard, dry and painful to pass [2]. Most people experience constipation at some point. In most cases it is short-lived and not serious [2].
It is not necessary to have a bowel movement every day. However, any change in bowel habits deserves review by a healthcare provider [2]. Constipation also has psychological and lifestyle aspects. You can read more in the question Can stress cause constipation?.
Indications for Forlax
The ClinicsJo drug directory lists several uses for macrogol. This is consistent with a UK medical reference, which describes its use for treating constipation, faecal impaction and bowel preparation [1]. The main uses are:
- Chronic and functional constipation: one of the most common reasons it is prescribed. Learn about chronic constipation, its causes and how it is assessed.
- Constipation in older adults and drug-induced constipation: for example, due to opioid painkillers, iron supplements and some antidepressants.
- Faecal impaction: a build-up of a large amount of hard stool stuck in the bowel [1]. It is usually treated with higher doses for several days, according to a plan set by the doctor.
- Chronic constipation in children: only under a doctor's supervision.
- Bowel preparation: before procedures such as colonoscopy [1].
A laxative does not replace treating the root cause of the problem. Ways to prevent constipation include eating more fruit, vegetables and fibre-rich grains, drinking enough water and fluids, being physically active, and not delaying a bathroom visit when you feel the urge [2]. To explore this further, read the Dietary fibre guide for constipation without excessive bloating. It is also recommended to use laxatives only if a healthcare provider advises it [2].
What is the usual dose and how is Forlax used?
The usual adult dose, as determined by the doctor or pharmacist, is 1 to 2 sachets per day. The number of sachets and the duration of use depend on the reason for use and the type of product [1]. Do not change a dose or duration prescribed for you without consulting your doctor.
Macrogol comes as a powder that is mixed with water [1]. Dissolve the entire sachet in the amount of water stated in the leaflet, because the medicine works with that water.
| Step or situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Preparing the dose | Dissolve the entire sachet in the amount of water specified in the leaflet. You may add a flavour, such as diluted juice, to improve the taste [1]. |
| Timing with food | It can be taken with or without food [1]. |
| Fluids | Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration [1]. |
| Other medicines | Take them at least one hour before Forlax or one hour after it [1]. |
| Diarrhoea occurs | Consult the pharmacist or doctor, as side effects may improve by reducing the dose [1]. |
How long does Forlax take to start working?
Give the medicine two to three days before judging it. If constipation continues after two weeks of using macrogol, consult a doctor, whether the patient is an adult or a child [1]. Always read the enclosed leaflet, and ask the pharmacist if you are unsure how to use it [1].
Is Forlax suitable for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women?
Children
According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take macrogol. Children aged 2 to 11 years may only receive it on prescription [1]. With Forlax, a child should only receive it after a doctor has assessed them, with the dose calculated by weight and based on a doctor's prescription or pharmacist's guidance. Inform the doctor of any health condition the child has [1].
If you have difficulty giving the medicine to your child, ask the pharmacist about alternative ways to administer it [1]. For a comprehensive plan that includes diet and toilet training, see the article Constipation in children: a safe plan for nutrition, toilet training and treatment and the page Constipation in children. Parents can also follow their child's health at the Ministry of Health's maternal and child health centres in the governorates.
Pregnancy
Macrogol can be taken during pregnancy [1], and the ClinicsJo drug directory classifies it in Category B. However, tell your doctor about any medicine you are taking during pregnancy, as constipation is common at this stage and may require a plan that includes diet and fluids as well.
Breastfeeding
Macrogol can be taken while breastfeeding. Side effects in the infant from the mother's medicines are rare, but speak with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns [1].
Older adults
Forlax is widely used for constipation in older adults. However, sources indicate it may not be suitable for those with kidney or heart disease [1], which are more common with advancing age. Therefore, it is preferable for a doctor to review the full list of medicines.
What are the side effects of Forlax and when should it not be used?
Common side effects
Like all medicines, macrogol may cause side effects, which not everyone experiences [1]. The most common include:
- Stomach pain or mild cramps.
- Bloating and wind, which usually go away within a few days.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea, especially if the dose is larger than needed.
These symptoms may improve by reducing the dose [1], which should be done under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor. Macrogol usually does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery [1].
Rare serious side effects
- Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis): swelling of the throat or tongue, itchy raised rash, and difficulty breathing [1]. Read about drug allergy and how to manage it.
- Fluid retention in the hands or feet (Oedema): swelling with tight, shiny skin [1].
- High potassium in the blood (Hyperkalaemia): appears as muscle weakness and a slow heartbeat [1].
When is Forlax not suitable for you?
Macrogol may not be suitable in the following situations [1]:
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to it.
- If you have a bowel disease such as diverticular disease or Crohn's disease.
- If you have kidney or heart disease.
- If your doctor has advised you to avoid medicines containing potassium or sodium, or to reduce salt in your diet.
Forlax and all other laxatives must not be used when bowel obstruction or perforation is suspected. Severe abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting requires a medical examination, not a laxative. It should be used with caution in the presence of an active, acute inflammation of the bowel.
Does Forlax interact with other medicines? What if you miss a dose?
Macrogol is hardly absorbed, so its interactions are few. However, it may speed up the passage of other medicines through the bowel. Therefore, it is advised to take any other medicine at least one hour before it or one hour after it [1]. Macrogol may also affect the action of some anti-epileptic drugs [1], so tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of them.
If you think one of your medicines is causing constipation, ask your doctor about it [2]. Do not stop a medicine or change its dose on your own. Also, do not use Forlax prescribed for another family member, especially a child, because doses differ from person to person. The question Can I use a prescription medication prescribed for another family member? explains this further.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one [1].
Overdose
One extra dose is unlikely to cause a problem. However, seek medical advice if you or your child take more than stated in the leaflet and experience vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, dizziness or weakness [1].
Price of Forlax in Jordan
The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) sets official medicine prices in Jordan. The price of Forlax varies according to the pack size and the number of sachets in it. We do not have a verified price figure to publish here. The pharmacist is best placed to confirm the current official price of the pack they have in stock.
- Ask the pharmacist about the pack sizes available, and choose the one that matches the duration your doctor has specified.
- Make sure to read the leaflet enclosed with the pack, as it is the reference for the approved preparation method.
- Do not buy large quantities for long-term use before a doctor has assessed the cause of constipation.
When should you see a doctor? When should you go to the emergency department?
Most cases of constipation are simple, but some signs call for medical assessment. If your bowel habits change, consult a healthcare provider [2].
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Constipation continues after two weeks of using macrogol | See a doctor [1] |
| Bothersome side effects or side effects that do not go away | Speak with the pharmacist or doctor [1] |
| New, sudden constipation after the age of 50, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss | See a doctor to assess the need for a colonoscopy rather than relying on laxatives alone |
| Swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash after a dose | Call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency department |
| Severe abdominal pain with vomiting | Go to the emergency department, and do not take laxatives before examination |
| Severe muscle weakness with a slow pulse | Seek urgent medical help [1] |
The golden rule: new constipation after the age of 50, or constipation accompanied by blood or weight loss, requires diagnosis rather than more laxatives. To learn when a colonoscopy is needed and how it is performed, read Adult constipation: when is a colonoscopy needed?.
How do you find the right doctor to assess constipation in Jordan?
If constipation does not improve or keeps recurring, you may need an assessment that goes beyond prescribing a laxative. Through ClinicsJo, you can search by specialty and governorate, read profiles, and contact or book where the profile allows it.
The appropriate specialty
- Family medicine or general practice: a good starting point for simple cases and medication review. Ministry of Health health centres are available in various governorates.
- Gastroenterology: for chronic constipation, constipation accompanied by warning signs, or when an endoscopy is needed.
- Paediatrics: for any constipation in a child before giving them Forlax.
Browse the service for assessing bowel problems such as constipation. You can also view the directory of doctors who assess chronic constipation in Jordan and the directory of clinics that assess chronic constipation in Jordan, then choose according to your governorate and needs.
What to check in a doctor's or clinic's profile
- Actual specialty and listed areas of interest.
- Location and ease of access from your governorate.
- Available contact methods and booking options, if the profile offers them.
- Listed services, such as colonoscopy or ongoing management of chronic constipation.
Questions to ask the doctor
- Is Forlax suitable for me given my health condition and current medicines?
- How long should I use it, and when should we reassess?
- Do I need tests or a colonoscopy?
- What changes to my diet, fluids and physical activity would help me?
For a broader understanding of the causes and treatment plan, read Adult constipation: causes and treatment.
This article is for health education and does not replace consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. In emergencies, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What is Forlax and what is it used for?
Forlax is an osmotic laxative whose active ingredient is macrogol. It comes as powder sachets that are dissolved in water. It draws water into the bowel, softening the stool. It is used to treat chronic constipation, constipation caused by certain medicines and faecal impaction, and to prepare the bowel before some examinations. In children, it is used only under a doctor's supervision.
How long does Forlax take to start working?
Forlax works by drawing water into the bowel, so it usually does not work within hours. Give it two to three days before judging its effectiveness, while drinking enough fluids. If constipation continues after two weeks of use, you should consult a doctor to assess the cause.
Can Forlax be given to children?
Forlax should be given to a child only after a doctor has assessed them and prescribed it. The dose is calculated according to the child's weight and guided by a doctor or pharmacist. Do not give a child an adult dose or a medicine prescribed for another child. A pharmacist can suggest easier ways to give the powder to a child.
Is Forlax safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Health sources indicate that macrogol can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and side effects in the infant are rare. However, it is preferable to tell your doctor about any medicine you take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and to pay attention to fibre, fluids and physical activity for constipation.
Can Forlax be taken with my other medicines?
Forlax has few interactions because it is hardly absorbed, but it is advised to take other medicines at least one hour before it or one hour after it. It may affect some anti-epileptic drugs, so tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your medicines. Do not stop any prescribed medicine or change its dose on your own.
What is the price of Forlax in Jordan?
The Jordan Food and Drug Administration sets the official price for each medicine pack in Jordan, and the price varies according to pack size and the number of sachets. We do not have a verified price figure, so ask the pharmacist about the current official price of the pack they have in stock.
Sources and references
- Macrogol: a laxative medicine to treat constipation — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Constipation — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.