Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take magnesium sulfate capsules?
Colocap Balance™ is best taken as a single dose at intervals of about 3-7 days. Weekly use is usually sufficient.
The standard dose is 15 capsules. The number of capsules will vary from person to person. Most people with mild sluggishness will respond to 10 capsules, as long as it is sufficient to create a powerful urge to empty your bowels and effect a thorough, cleansing bowel action. If you have been suffering constipation for many years – especially if you have become dependent upon strong laxatives to have your bowels work at all – you will need more capsules than milder cases.
Five capsules should be taken every 15 minutes until the dosage has been completed. It is important to “wash down” these capsules (taken 1 or 2 at a time) by drinking a glass – approximately 250ml – of a non-alcoholic, clear liquid of your own choice (strained soup, soft drink, water, cordial or juice).
The time that it takes for the capsules to take effect varies from person to person. If the dosage is correct the response should begin within 1–4 hours. In more severe and longstanding constipation, the response might not begin for about 8 hours. At first, it is advisable to take them in the morning so that the response occurs during the daytime. Some people prefer to take a number of capsules last thing at night and then another dose first thing next morning.
The exact number of capsules that will be needed, and exactly when they need to be taken, will require some trial and error in the first instance. Once you have arrived at your correct dosage and once you are familiar with the time it takes to respond to the capsules, you can alter the timing of the dosage to suit your lifestyle.
Can I keep taking capsules every week?
In short – yes, you can. Magnesium Sulfate is not a habit-forming laxative so you will not encounter a progressive increase over time in the number of capsules required to produce the desired effect as you would with the herbal and stimulant laxatives.
So, once you find the correct dose of capsules for your own individual needs, you can use them at intervals of at least 3-7 days.
Why do I have to take so many capsules?
We are conditioned to regard medication as coming in tablets or capsules numbering no more than a few at a time. When confronted with a direction to take 15 magnesium sulfate capsules our first reaction is often one of disbelief. Of course, if we had to empty those capsules and gather the contents together on a spoon, we wouldn’t even flinch at the prospect of dissolving that amount of powder in some water and drinking it - if we could stand the taste!
The capsules are just a way of getting the necessary amount of magnesium sulfate into the stomach without having to experience its terrible taste.