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Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets – patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

Text from the MHRA, as of · About this document

Medicine status: No longer supplied Details

Medicine strength:
120 mg + 27.5 mg
Contains active substances:

Patient leaflet - Fam-lax Phenolphthalein tablets

1. WHAT FAM-LAX PHENOLPHTHALEIN TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY

ARE USED FOR

Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets are brown circular tablets which belong to a group of medicines known as stimulant laxatives. These work by increasing bowel movement which helps to empty the contents of the bowel. Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets are used for the relief of constipation.

2. BEFORE YOU TAKE FAM-LAX PHENOLPHTHALEIN TABLETS

Do not take Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets

  • if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to yellow phenolphthalein, powdered rhubarb or any of the other ingredients of Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets (see section 6).

Take special care with Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets

Prolonged use of Fam-Lax phenolphthalein Tablets should be avoided. If you are finding that you need to take laxatives every day, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

There is no evidence that Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets are harmful during pregnancy and breast-feeding. However as with all drugs, Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets should not be taken during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets

Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets contain sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

3. HOW TO TAKE FAM-LAX PHENOLPHTHALEIN TABLETS

Always take Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Dose:

Adults and Children over 12 years of age: Half to one tablet daily to be taken at bedtime. The use of this product is not recommended in children under 12 years old.

Directions:

The tablet may be chewed or crushed and taken with the aid of water, milk or fruit juice.

If you take more Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets than you should

You may experience diarrhoea-like symptoms. Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

If you forget to take Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets

You must wait until the next evening and take the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These could include:

  • stomach or gut pain
  • allergic reactions such as swollen face or neck, or difficulty breathing
  • heart problems
  • breathing problems
  • damage to kidneys

If you suffer from any of these side effects, STOP TAKING Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets and seek medical attention. If you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

5. HOW TO STORE FAM-LAX PHENOLPHTHALEIN TABLETS

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Store below 25°C in a dry place.

Do not use Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets after the expiry date that is stated on foil strip and on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month. Medicines should not be disposed of via household waste. Return any unused tablets to the pharmacist for safe disposal. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. FURTHER INFORMATION

What Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets contain

  • The active substances are yellow phenolphthalein (120mg) and powdered rhubarb

    (27.5mg).

  • The other ingredients are icing sugar, cocoa powder, powdered acacia, vanillin, peppermint oil, stearic acid, purified talc.

What Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets looks like and contents of the pack

Fam-Lax Phenolphthalein Tablets are brown circular tablets embossed with the letter ‘T’. They are packed in foil strips and are available in cartons containing 12, 30 or 36 tablets.

Marketing Authorisation Holder: Typharm Ltd, 14D Wendover Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6LH

Manufacturer: Packpharm Ltd., 14D Wendover Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Norwich, NR13 6LH .

Date of Leaflet Preparation: March 2014

About this document

Source: MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (products.mhra.gov.uk) · Marketing authorisation: PL 00551/0226

MHRA data as of 13 October 2026

Found a mistake? Tell us on the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Facts about Fam-lax Phenolphthalein tablets

Active substances Phenolphthalein, Rhubarb
Strength 120 mg + 27.5 mg
Pharmaceutical form Oral tablet
How is it taken Oral
Excipients Icing Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Powdered Acacia BP, Vanillin Ph.Eur., Peppermint Oil Ph.Eur., Stearic Acid BP, Purified Talc Ph.Eur.
Is it available? No, all its packs are listed as discontinued (NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices – not a record of current supplies)
Shelf life Five years from the date of manufacture.
Storage Five years from the date of manufacture.
Drug group (ATC)
  1. A Alimentary tract and metabolism drugs
    1. A06 Drugs for constipation
      1. A06A Drugs for constipation
        1. A06AB Contact laxatives
          1. A06AB04 phenolphthalein
Marketing authorisation PL 00551/0226 (first authorised 22 May 1996)
Marketing authorisation holder Typharm Limited
Codes BNF 01060200

Sources: the MHRA product information (products.mhra.gov.uk) and the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d), release 10.1.0 of 12 October 2026, NHS Business Services Authority. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.