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Compare Fibercon vs. Metamucil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) and psyllium (Metamucil) are both over-the-counter fiber supplements used to treat occasional constipation, but they have some differences. Calcium polycarbophil is a synthetic fiber, while psyllium is a natural fiber from plants. Both are bulk-forming laxatives, but psyllium is more likely to cause gas and bloating. Calcium polycarbophil is available in tablet form, whereas psyllium comes in powder packets, scoopable powder, and capsules. Both need to be taken with plenty of water to avoid choking, but psyllium can also contain potassium and sodium, which might be a concern if you're on a restricted diet. Lastly, calcium polycarbophil is generally considered gentler and less likely to cause stomach cramping compared to psyllium.

  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Psyllium (Metamucil)
  • Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
    Psyllium (Metamucil)

  • Summary of Fibercon vs. Metamucil

    Summary for Bulk-forming laxative

    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.

    Summary for Fiber laxative

    Psyllium or psyllium husk is an over-the-counter (OTC) fiber supplement. It helps with occasional constipation in adults and children. This fiber laxative most often comes as a powder that's mixed with a beverage. But it can also come in capsules that you swallow. You take this laxative by mouth, up to 3 times a day if needed. Some side effects include gas, nausea, and bloating. Metamucil is a common brand name, but there are other brand-name and generic versions.

  • Indications of Fibercon vs. Metamucil

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation

  • Pros and Cons of Fibercon vs. Metamucil

    Pros and Const for Bulk-forming laxative
    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
    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
    Pros and Const for Fiber laxative
    Pros
    •Powder can come in orange flavor with some sugar-free options
    •Also available as capsules, for people who don't like the powder or find it inconvenient
    •Available OTC so you don't need a prescription
    Cons
    •Must take with a lot of liquid so you don't choke on the medication
    •Can take 12 to 72 hours to relieve constipation
    •Can cause bloating, especially when you first start

  • Common Side Effects of Fibercon vs. Metamucil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bloating
    •Gas
    Common Side Effects for
    •Change in bowel habits
    •Bloating

  • Warnings of Fibercon vs. Metamucil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Choking hazard
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of choking
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - flavored powders only

  • Prices with our coupons for Fibercon vs. Metamucil

    Learn more about Calcium polycarbophil
    Learn more about Psyllium

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