Movicol is a brand name of an osmotic laxative made in the UK by pharmacist Norgene. I think in the U.S. You have a fairly similar product called miralax.

Movicol is ok to take long term providing you manage it well and don't rely on it as your only mechanism to have bowel movements, you need to eat healthy and include fibre where possible (if tolerated). If you are using it, you do need to be sure to drink plenty of water. It works by drawing water from your body organs to the bowel. It has Maccagrol in it which is not absorbed and passes thru the digestive system straight to the bowel (from memory).

I used to take coloxyl and had many a mishap, I'm eternally grateful to the doctors in hospital in 2010 who introduced me to Movicol. Prior to 2010 I had frequent obstructions and hospitalisation at least twice a year, (sometimes more) post 2010 just a few times over 6 years.

Movicol has given me back a life.