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

  What are Metamucil side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Metamucil may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Metamucil as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Metamucil

  The side effects of Metamucil may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Metamucil. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Metamucil may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Metamucil, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Metamucil.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Metamucil, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Metamucil and the side effects associated with Metamucil are described in the following:

  Common Metamucil Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Metamucil Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Rare or Very Rare Metamucil Side Effects

  Severe

  • conjunctivitis
  • Rhinitis
  • Anaphylaxis
  • esophageal obstruction
  • intestinal impaction
  • gastrointestinal obstruction
  • allergic dermatitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • skin rash
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease

  Less Severe

• 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.