Metamucil Capsules with Calcium

Brand Name:Metamucil, Metamucil Capsules, Metamucil Wafers, Novo-Mucilax

Prescription needed: No

What is this drug used for?

Psyllium is a fibre supplement that is used as a bulk-forming laxative to treat constipation. It may also be prescribed to people who’ve just had intestinal surgery, to treat chronic watery diarrhea, and may be used as part of a diet plan recommended by your doctor to lower cholesterol.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you have a known sensitivity to psyllium. Tell your doctor if you have:

  • stomach pain
  • medical conditions related to your bowel or stomach
  • difficulty swallowing
  • nausea or vomiting
  • fever
  • rectal bleeding
  • severe constipation – no bowel movement for seven days
  • diabetes that is not well controlled – some psyllium products contain sugar
  • a medical condition that limits your fluid intake (e.g. kidney problems, certain breathing or heart problems)

You should tell your doctor if you are taking any medications for pain on a regular basis.

Always disclose your full medical history with the medical team that is taking care of you, in order for them to provide you with the safest and most effective care.

What about possible side effects?

  • This medication is usually well tolerated but you should be aware of some potential side effects. The following list of more common side effects can be quite bothersome, but unless they are severe, you should continue taking psyllium as directed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to get advice on how to manage these side effects.
  • bloating (feeling of stomach fullness)
  • gas
  • Less common side effects include:
  • stomach pain - stop taking psyllium, it may not be the right product for you – see your doctor
  • feeling very unwell – you may already have severe constipation, and psyllium may not be the right treatment for you – see your doctor

Other rare but potentially serious side effects include:

  • severe skin rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives all over the body or near the face and throat – signs of an allergic reaction - stop taking psyllium and get emergency medical help immediately

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug.

There is a possibility that psyllium may affect how some of your medications are absorbed into your body. For the most part, the effect may not be significant. However, to prevent problems, separate the time you take psyllium from your other medications by 2 hours.

Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs since small changes in absorption may be important – your doctor may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • anti-coagulants (blood thinners)
  • digoxin
  • lithium

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions

Taking too much psyllium at once can cause stomach discomfort. Start with a low dose, and then slowly increase your dose for regular treatment.

When treating constipation, psyllium may take up to 2-3 days for full effect. If a faster effect is needed, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Stomach discomfort is normal if you are constipated, but if you have stomach pain you should see your doctor. If you still do not have a bowel movement after 7 days of taking psyllium regularly, you should see your doctor before taking more psyllium – there is a risk of intestinal blockage.

Psyllium products (e.g. wafers, powders, cookies) must be taken with at least a full glass of fluid (8 fluid oz, or 240mL, or about the amount of fluid to fill a soup can or pop can), preferably water or juice, for best effect. Psyllium absorbs fluid, so there is a risk of choking if you don’t have enough fluids.

Shortly after mixing, the psyllium powder and fluid will become very thick and difficult to swallow. Important to drink right after mixing.

Dietary advice: Your doctor may tell you to drink lots of water with each dose and throughout the day. To treat constipation, some other very healthy sources of fibre include fruits and vegetables. Check out Get Enough Fibre] for more information.

Children: Not typically recommended for those under the age of 6.

Seniors: Safely used.

Pregnancy: Safely used.

Women who are nursing: Safely used.

People who drive or operate machinery: Safely used.

Alcohol: If you drink, always drink in moderation. No interaction.

Overdose: Taking too much phylum at once may cause significant stomach discomfort. If you notice any unusual symptoms, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Can be safely stopped when no longer required.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember, then continue taking as directed. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); always out of reach of children.