PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

What you should know about Co-danthramer capsules

Please read this leaflet before you start to take your capsules.

If you have any questions or you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet in a safe place - you may want to read it again.

What is in the capsules?

Each capsule contains the active ingredients Poloxamer 188 (200 mg) and Dantron (25 mg).

The capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients:

• gelatin
• sodium dodecyl sulphate
• butylhydroxytoluene (E321)
• E171, E172, E132, and E127.

In each box there are 60 capsules.

Dantron belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives. Poloxamer belongs to a group called faecal softeners.What are the capsules for?

These capsules are used to prevent or treat constipation.

However, they are only suitable for certain patients, so you should not take these capsules unless they have been prescribed for you by your doctor.

If you would like to know more about constipation, read the section at the end of this leaflet.

Who can take the capsules?

Before you take the capsules, please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions.

• Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)
• Obstruction of the intestine (a type of bowel problem)
• Allergy to any of the capsule constituents

You must only take the capsules if they have been prescribed for you. Never give them to other people, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

Don’t take the capsules if you are pregnant and don’t give them to children who still wear nappies.

How do I take my capsules?

The label on your medicine will tell you how many capsules to take and how often. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take your capsules just before you go to bed and always swallow them with water.

The usual dose for adults is 1 or 2 capsules and the usual dose for children is 1 capsule. Your doctor may prescribe a different dose for you. You may want to discuss this with your doctor.

Will I have any problems?

You may find the skin around your bottom turns pink or red when you take these capsules. Your urine may also turn pink or red. Don't worry, this is quite normal and is harmless.

If your constipation doesn’t get better, or you have any other problems, please tell your doctor.

How long and where should I keep my capsules?

There is a ‘use-by’ date on the label. For example, EXP 8.2005 means that you should not use the capsules after the end of August 2005. After the ‘use-by’ date, take any capsules you have left to a pharmacy.

Do not store your capsules above 30°C (86°F). Keep them in a safe place where children cannot see or reach them.

What is constipation?

Constipation is when you have difficulty passing anything from your bowels.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

You can get pain, tenderness, bloating (around your stomach), wind and sickness with constipation.

Constipation can be caused by poor diet, not taking enough exercise, ignoring the urge to go to the toilet and taking certain drugs.

What can I do to prevent constipation?

You may need to increase the amount of fibre and water you eat and drink. You should eat more fibre gradually over a few weeks or months. Foods rich in fibre are fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread, pasta and brown rice.

Your doctor may have prescribed your capsules at the same time as some other medicines. This may be to prevent you from getting constipation.