Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber laxative being used treats occasional constipation or intestinal irregularity. Metamucil may also lower cholesterol when used together with low cholesterol and saturated fat diet.
Metamucil Uses
This medicine is being used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk of your stool, an effect that helps to cause bowel movements. It also increases the levels of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium, a type of bulk-forming laxative, has also been used along with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol.
Metamucil Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Metamucil are:
- Bloating
- Minor change in bowel habits
Some of the serious side effects of Metamucil are:
- Constipation which lasts more than 5 days
- Rectal Bleeding
- Severe Stomach pain
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Metamucil if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Metamucil side effects.
Precautions
Before using Metamucil talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you are having any serious medical conditions such as:
- Stomach or Intestinal problems
- Difficulty in Swallowing
- Appendicitis
- Any change in bowel movements
- Bleeding from the rectum
How to take Metamucil?
Take this medicine by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you are self-handling, follow all directions on the product package. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take this medicine with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces/240 millilitres) to prevent it from choking. If you take the wafers, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. For powder forms of this medicine, measure each dose according to the directions on the label of the product. Mix in a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces/240 millilitres), stir thoroughly and drink immediately. You can add more liquid to the mixture if it becomes too thick.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Metamucil won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Metamucil tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
The effects of certain drugs may change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This may increase your risk of serious side effects or may cause your medication to fail to work properly. These drug interactions are possible, but they do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing the way you use your medication or by monitoring it closely.
To help the doctor 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 this product. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any other medicines you use without your doctor's approval while using this product.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Metamucil consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Metamucil rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Metamucil.
Metamucil Vs Citrucel
| Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber laxative being used treats occasional constipation or intestinal irregularity. | Citrucel (methylcellulose) is an over-the-counter (OTC) bulk fiber laxative used to relieve constipation (irregularity), to help restore and maintain regularity, for constipation associated with other intestinal disorders. |
| This medicine is being used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk of your stool, an effect that helps to cause bowel movements. It also increases the levels of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass | This medicine is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk of your stool, an effect that helps to cause bowel movements. |
Some of the common side effects of Metamucil are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Citrucel are:
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