Psyllium

Brand Names

Psyllium, Fiberall, Hydrocil, Konsyl, Konsyl Orange Sugar-free, Konsyl-D, Konsyl-Orange, Laxmar, Laxmar Orange, Laxmar Sugar Free, Metamucil, Metamucil Berry Burst Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Metamucil Orange Coarse Milled Original Texture, Metamucil Orange Smooth Texture, Metamucil Orange Smooth Texture Sugar Free

What is Psyllium

Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative that effective in the treatment of occasional constipation or bowel irregularity. It works by absorbing liquid in the intestines and swelling to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass. Psyllium is also used to treat diarrhea and lower cholesterol when used in combination with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Side effects of Psyllium

The most common side effects of Psyllium include:

• difficulty breathing
• stomach pain
• difficulty swallowing
• skin rash
• itching
• nausea
• vomiting

Indication

Psyllium is used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease and diarrhea. It is also effective as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit.

Precautions

Please, stop using psyllium if you:

• are allergic to psyllium or any other drugs
• take any other prescription and non-prescription medications, including vitamins. It is not recommended to take digoxin (Lanoxin), salicylates (aspirin) or nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, Macrobid) within 3 hours of taking psyllium.
• have or have ever had diabetes mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, rectal bleeding, intestinal blockage or difficulty swallowing
• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• are on a low-sugar or low-sodium diet

Dosage forms

Psyllium dose for adults

Most commercial psyllium preparations advise mixing 1/2 to 2 tsp. of psyllium powder into 8 oz. of water or fruit juice once daily either before bedtime or after waking, then quickly drinking the mixture before it becomes too thick. You may begin with the lowest possible dosage if you have never used psyllium before, then gradually work up to the higher recommended amounts of psyllium over a period of several days. Higher or more frequent doses may be used to treat certain conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, but you should only take higher amounts of psyllium under the instruction of a doctor.

Psyllium dose for children

When needed, children between the ages of 6 and 12 can take approximately half of the recommended psyllium dosage for adults: 1/2 to 1 tsp. of psyllium powder mixed in 4 oz. of water or juice, one to four times per day. However, children should never be given psyllium unless they have been specifically prescribed this treatment by a physician. Children under 6 should never be given psyllium.