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calcium polycarbophil

Generic Fibercon
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation

Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is an over-the-counter medication that's used to treat occasional constipation in people 12 years and older. This bulk-forming laxative is found as a generic as well as under some familiar brand names like FiberCon and Fiber-Lax. It's available as tablets and is taken by mouth up to 4 times a day. Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) doesn't cause many side effects, and it's less likely to cause gas and bloating than similar medications.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 9, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)?

What is Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) used for?

How Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) works

Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is a bulk-forming laxative. It works by keeping water in the stool, which makes it heavier and more formed. This makes it easier for stool to pass. It also encourages your bowels to contract so you have a bowel movement.

Are you looking for information on calcium carbonate (Tums) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFiberCon, Fiber-Lax
Drug ClassBulk-forming laxative
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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What are the side effects of Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Choking: chest pain, vomiting, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Possible serious gut problem: pain in the stomach area; bloating; blood when wiping; blood in stool (e.g., tar-like, black, red blood mixed in with the stool)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)

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Pros

Available over the counter (OTC) so you don't need a prescription from a healthcare professional

Causes less gas and bloating than other bulk-forming laxatives

Available as a lower-cost generic

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Cons

Doesn't work right away; can take 12 hours to 3 days to work

Can be a choking hazard if you don't take it with enough water

Not for children under 12 years old

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)

pharmacist

  • Talk to a healthcare professional before you take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) if you have pain in the stomach area, nausea, or vomiting. Also speak to your care team about any sudden changes in your bowel movement patterns that have lasted longer than 2 weeks. This could be a sign of a more serious condition that you should get examined for.

    • How often you need to take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) to relieve your constipation depends on your diet, your exercise habits, and the severity of your symptoms. It's best to start by taking 2 Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) tablets once per day. Then if you don't feel improvement, you can add on more doses throughout the day. Don't take more than 8 tablets in a day.

      • Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other fluid with each dose of Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) that you take. Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) can be a choking hazard if you don't take it with enough fluids. The medication might swell and block your throat or esophagus (tube that connects the throat to the stomach).

        • Stop taking Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) and contact your primary care provider if you haven't had a bowel movement after a few days of taking this medication or if you have blood in your stool. You might need to get examined to see whether there's something more serious going on.

          • It can sometimes take up to 3 days of continued use for Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) to fully work. But don't take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) for more than 7 days in a row unless a healthcare professional says it's okay to do so.

            • Be sure to take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) at least 2 hours from any other medications you also take. This is because Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) can interact with other medications and affect how they work.

              • Contact your Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222 if you or your child accidentally takes too much Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon).

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)

                Is Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) a soluble fiber?
                No, Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is an insoluble fiber because it can't mix and dissolve with water. Because of this, Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) can't also help with diarrhea like soluble fiber laxatives. Some sources of fiber from your diet can include oats, unpeeled apples, and almonds. Most fiber-rich foods contain more insoluble fiber than soluble fiber.
                Is it safe to take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) every day?
                You should typically take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) for 1 to 3 days to get the full benefit. But don't take this laxative for more than 7 days in a row unless a healthcare professional says it's okay. It's not known whether it's safe to use Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) long term. So speak with a healthcare professional if you still have constipation after you've taken this medication for a week.
                Does Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) have calcium?
                Yes, Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) contains calcium. Check the label on your product to find out how much calcium each tablet contains. Keep in mind that Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) isn't marketed as a calcium supplement. On the other hand, this laxative might not be safe for you if you have high calcium levels. Ask a healthcare professional about whether Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is appropriate for you if you need calcium supplementation or if you have a health condition that causes high calcium levels. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of high calcium levels, such as nausea, constipation, tiredness, or muscle weakness.
                What's the difference between Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) and psyllium?
                Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) and psyllium (Metamucil) are both fiber supplements, but they have different active ingredients. Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is a synthetic, or man-made, fiber. On the other hand, psyllium husk is a natural fiber that comes from plants. They're both bulk-forming laxatives, which means that they work similarly to relieve constipation. But psyllium (Metamucil) is more likely to cause side effects like gas, stomach cramping, and bloating than Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon).
                What drug interactions are there with Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)?
                Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) might interact with other medications. These interactions can affect how well your medications work or how safe they are for you. To be safe, don't take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) within 2 hours before or after other medications. Talk to a healthcare professional or your pharmacist if you're concerned about drug interactions with Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon).
                Can you take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) while pregnant?
                Bulk-forming laxatives like Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) are considered first-choice treatment options for constipation during pregnancy. These laxatives are not absorbed very well by your whole body, so they're generally safe to take while pregnant. Talk to your care team about the safest options to help relieve constipation while pregnant.
                How long does it take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) to work?
                Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) usually makes you have a bowel movement in 12 hours to 3 days. You're more likely to get the full benefit of this medication if you take it every day for 1 to 3 days. Contact a healthcare professional if you don't have a bowel movement after a few days to make sure there aren't any concerning gut problems.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)?

                Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Choking hazard

                • Risk factors: Trouble swallowing

                  Be sure to drink at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of fluid with each dose of Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon). Not drinking enough fluid when you take the medication can be dangerous. It can cause the medication to swell and block your throat or esophagus. This can lead to choking, which can be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, vomiting, or trouble swallowing or breathing after you take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon).

                  risk-warning

                  Interactions with other medications

                  Speak with a healthcare professional before you start taking Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) if you take other medications. Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) might affect how well certain medications get absorbed into your body. Take Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) at least 2 hours apart from any other medications that you're taking.

                  dosage

                  Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 30 tablets of 625mg of Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) is $3.77 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  625mg30 tablets$3.77$0.13

                  Typical dosing for Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)

                  Each tablet contains 625 mg of calcium polycarbophil. The typical dosing is as follows:

                  • Adults and children ages 12 years or older: Take 2 tablets by mouth 1 to 4 times per day. Don't take more than 8 tablets in a 24-hour period.

                  • Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's primary care provider.

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                  How much does Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) cost?

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                  Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) (generic)
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                  contraindications-icon

                  Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) will not be safe for you to take.

                  • Have trouble swallowing

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
                  Used for:
                  $3.77 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Psyllium (Metamucil)
                  Used for:

                  • Occasional constipation

                  View Prices
                  Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
                  Used for:
                  $16.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  American Family Physician. (2005). Constipation.

                  Baldassari, S., et al. (2021). Towards a better understanding of thermally treated polycarbophil matrix tablets for controlled release. International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

                  Danhof, I. E. (1982). Pharmacology, toxicology, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of calcium polycarbophil, an enteral hydrosorptive agent. Pharmacotherapy.

                  View All References (4)

                  Dhingra, D., et al (2012). Dietary fibre in foods: A review. Journal of Food Science and Technology.

                  Foundation Consumer Brands. (2024). Fibercon- calcium polycarbophil tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Portalatin, M., et al. (2012). Medical management of constipation. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery.

                  Trottier, M., et al. (2012). Treating constipation during pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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