Metamucil

Metamucil Original Unflavored Drug Information

• Metamucil Overview

  Metamucil is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium, one type of bulk-forming laxative, has also been used along with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol.

• How to Use Metamucil

  Take Metamucil by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. To prevent choking from Metamucil, take it with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces/240 milliliters). If you are taking the wafers, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. For powder forms of Metamucil, measure each dose according to the directions on the product label. Mix in a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces/240 milliliters), stir completely, and drink right away. You may add more liquid to the mixture if it becomes too thick. When preparing the medication, be careful not to breathe in the powder since it may rarely cause an allergic reaction. Dosage of Metamucil is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take Metamucil more often than directed. Metamucil may decrease the absorption of other medications you may be taking. Take Metamucil at least 2 hours from your other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions. It may take 1 to 3 days before Metamucil starts working. Use Metamucil regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not take Metamucil for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if bleeding from the rectum occurs. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

• Metamucil Precautions

  Before taking this bulk-forming laxative, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic it; or if you have any other allergies. Metamucil may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Metamucil, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,stomach/intestinal blockage, difficulty swallowing, appendicitis or symptoms of appendicitis (such as nausea/vomiting, sudden or unexplained stomach/abdominal pain), a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for longer than 2 weeks, bleeding from the rectum. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Some products may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Metamucil safely. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Metamucil. It is unknown if Metamucil passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Metamucil Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Metamucil, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Metamucil Interactions

  See also How To Use section. The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with Metamucil. While using Metamucil, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.

• Metamucil Side Effects

  Gas or stomach cramping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use Metamucil, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Metamucil do not have serious side effects. Metamucil must be taken with at least a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces/240 milliliters) so that it will not swell in the throat, causing choking.chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing/breathing. A very serious allergic reaction to Metamucil is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

  List of Metamucil Original Unflavored side effects

• Metamucil Storage

  Different brands of Metamucil have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Metamucil when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.