Hi I am Dr.kadhir, There are quite a number of conditions which presents with constipation, starting from a small ulcer in the anal region to some serious bowel diseases but the most common one being habitual constipation . My advice is to first rule out all other serious causes, then get treated for conditions like habitual constipation. Moviciol (macrogol or poly ethylene glycol) is an laxative which softens the stools by increasing its water content . Its quite safe and effective only when used properly (adequate dose and method). This is used mainly as short term for cleaning the bowel for any procedures, but studies have been done and they suggest that it can be used even daily. Method of preparing the drug and number of sachets are more important. The side effects are quite rare, mainly due to dehydration , loss of electrolytes and over dose. Movicol can be used for short term and then proper fiber diet (fruits, dietry fibers and vegetables), adequate water and lactulose can be used. Lactulose dose can be increased cautiously till satisfactory respose is obtained. To summarize macrogol is effective for disimpaction of stools. Both macrogol and lactulose are effective for prolonged use in chronic habitual constipation under regular monitoring. Thank you for the consultation in health care magic