Brand & Generic Names
Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? No
- Available as generic? No
- Drug class: Laxative (bulk-forming)
Uses
Relieves constipation and prevents straining for bowel movement.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Liquid or powder--Dilute dose in 8 oz. cold water or fruit
juice.
Tablets--Swallow with 8 oz. cold liquid. Drink 6 to 8 glasses
of water each day in addition to the one with each dose.
When to take:
At the same time each day, preferably morning.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Resume
regular schedule.
What drug does:
Absorbs water, stimulating the bowel to form a soft, bulky
stool.
Time lapse before drug works:
May require 2 or 3 days to begin,
then works in 12 to 24 hours.
Don't take with:
Don't take within 2 hours of taking another medicine.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Wheezing.
WHAT TO DO:
Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger
amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or
hospital emergency room for instructions.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
Common:
Infrequent:
Swallowing difficulty,
"lump in throat"
sensation, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea.
Rare:
Itchy skin, rash,
asthma, intestinal
blockage.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to any bulk-forming laxative.
- You have symptoms of appendicitis, inflamed bowel or
intestinal blockage.
- You have missed a bowel movement for only 1 or 2 days.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have a laxative habit.
- If you have rectal bleeding.
- If you have difficulty swallowing.
- If you take other laxatives.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Most bulk-forming laxatives contain sodium or sugars which may
cause fluid retention. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.
Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.
Prolonged use:
Don't take for more than 1 week unless under a doctor's
supervision. May cause laxative dependence.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's
instructions.
Others:
Don't take to "flush out" your system or as a "tonic."
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
GENERIC NAME |
COMBINED EFFECT |
| |
------------------------ |
----------------------- |
Antibiotics* |
Possible decreased antibiotic |
|
effect. |
Digitalis |
Decreased digitalis |
preparations* |
effect. |
Salicylates* |
Decreased salicylate |
(including aspirin) |
effect. |
Possible Interaction with Other Substances
INTERACTS WITH |
COMBINED EFFECT |
--------------- |
--------------- |
Alcohol: |
None expected. |
| |
Beverages: |
None expected. |
| |
Cocaine: |
None expected. |
| |
Foods: |
None expected. |
| |
Marijuana: |
None expected. |
| |
Tobacco: |
None expected. |
|