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psyllium

Generic Metamucil
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation

Psyllium or psyllium husk (Metamucil) is an over-the-counter (OTC) fiber supplement that helps with occasional constipation. It can cause choking if you don't take it with enough water or other fluid.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 26, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Psyllium (Metamucil)?

What is Psyllium (Metamucil) used for?

  • Occasional constipation

How Psyllium (Metamucil) works

Psyllium (Metamucil) is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It helps your stool absorb and hold onto water. This makes your stool bigger and softer so it's easier to have a bowel movement.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMetamucil, Konsyl, Reguloid
Drug ClassFiber 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 Psyllium (Metamucil)?

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

  • Change in bowel habits
  • Bloating

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Rectal bleeding (blood that comes from your anus): blood on the toilet paper when you wipe, red-colored water in the toilet, blood mixed in with or on the outside of your stool
  • No bowel movement after taking the medication

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Psyllium (Metamucil)

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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

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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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Psyllium (Metamucil)

pharmacist

  • Before using a psyllium (Metamucil) product, contact your provider if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting or if you've noticed sudden changes in your stool for more than 2 weeks. Your provider will need to check if psyllium (Metamucil) is right for you.

    • Both powder and capsule forms of psyllium contain potassium, and the powder forms can also contain sodium. Talk to your provider before using psyllium (Metamucil) if you're on a low-potassium or low-sodium diet to see if this product is safe for you.

      • Start with one dose per day and slowly raise to three doses per day as necessary, depending on how often you have regular bowel movements.

        • For the powder, mix and stir psyllium (Metamucil) with at least 8 oz (a full glass) of water or other liquid, then drink right away. If it's too thick or thickens before you're able to drink it all, you can add more liquid and stir.

          • Swallow the capsules one at a time with a full glass of water.

            • Don't take psyllium (Metamucil) within 2 hours before or after taking other oral medications. Psyllium (Metamucil) can interact with the way your other medications work.

              • Stop taking psyllium (Metamucil) and talk to your provider if you experience rectal bleeding or constipation lasting more than 7 days.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Psyllium (Metamucil)

                Is it okay to take psyllium (Metamucil) every day?
                You can take psyllium (Metamucil) every day for up to 7 days. Don't take it longer than 7 days without speaking to your provider first, since psyllium (Metamucil) might not be right for you if you need it long term. There might be other options that can better help your constipation. In general, eating a balanced diet with fiber from fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and getting exercise every day can all help keep your bowel movements regular.
                What's the best time of day to take psyllium (Metamucil)?
                You can take psyllium (Metamucil) at any time of the day.
                Can I take psyllium (Metamucil) with my other medications?
                Yes, but make sure to separate psyllium (Metamucil) from your other medications by at least 2 hours. This is because laxatives including psyllium (Metamucil) might interact with these other medications and affect how they work.
                Does psyllium (Metamucil) help you lose belly fat?
                Psyllium (Metamucil) is not meant for weight management or for the purpose of getting rid of belly fat. Some studies suggest that soluble fibers like psyllium can make you feel full and lower feelings of hunger. This might help you better control your appetite. For weight management, it's best to add natural sources of fiber to your meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and maintain this diet. If you're looking for a weight management plan, discuss with your provider.
                Does psyllium (Metamucil) work for opioid-induced constipation?
                If you're constipated from taking opioid pain medications, psyllium (Metamucil) isn't the best option, since it mainly helps your stool retain water to make it easier to pass. Opioids typically slow down your gut movement, so medications for any related constipation need to help get your gut moving again. To help with opioid-induced constipation, it's best to stay hydrated and eat a lot of fiber during your treatment. If you need a laxative, stimulant laxatives like senna (Senokot) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax) might help. Talk to your provider about the best treatment option for opioid-induced constipation for you.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Psyllium (Metamucil)?

                Psyllium (Metamucil) 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

                • Risk factors: Limited liquid intake | Difficulty swallowing

                  Always take psyllium (Metamucil) with at least 8 oz (a full glass) of water or other liquid. Taking psyllium (Metamucil) without enough liquid can cause it to thicken, block your throat, and cause choking. If you have problems swallowing or drinking a lot of liquid at one time, psyllium (Metamucil) might not be a good option for you.

                  risk-warning

                  Can contain phenylalanine

                  Some psyllium products can contain phenylalanine, an ingredient that can cause serious health problems if you or your child has phenylketonuria (PKU). Make sure to read the product label carefully, and talk to a healthcare provider for an alternative medication that's safer for you.

                  dosage

                  Psyllium (Metamucil) dosage forms

                  Typical dosing for Psyllium (Metamucil)

                  Different products can contain different amounts of psyllium husk. Carefully read the directions label on your product to make sure you're taking it properly.

                  Below are a few examples of psyllium products and their directions for use.

                  Metamucil powder packets: Each packet contains about 3.4 grams of psyllium husk.

                  • Adults and children age 12 or older: The typical dose is 1 packet mixed into at least 8 oz (a full glass) of liquid by mouth, up to 3 times a day.

                  • Children age 6 to 11 years: The typical dose is one-half packet mixed into 8 oz of liquid by mouth, up to 3 times a day.

                  • Children younger than 6 years of age: Ask your child's provider.

                  Metamucil scoopable powder: Each teaspoon contains 3.4 grams of psyllium husk.

                  • Adults and children age 12 or older: The typical dose is 1 teaspoon mixed into at least 8 oz (a full glass) of liquid by mouth, up to 3 times a day.

                  • Children age 6 to 11 years: The typical dose is one-half teaspoon mixed into 8 oz of liquid by mouth, up to 3 times a day.

                  • Children younger than 6 years of age: Ask your child's provider.

                  Psyllium capsules: Each capsule contains about 0.52 grams of psyllium husk.

                  • Adults and children age 12 or older: The typical dose is 5 capsules by mouth with at least 8 oz (a full glass) of water, up to 3 times a day.

                  • Children younger than 12 years of age: Ask your child's provider.

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Psyllium (Metamucil)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Psyllium (Metamucil). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Psyllium (Metamucil)
                  Used for:

                  • Occasional constipation

                  View Prices
                  Senna
                  Used for:

                  • Occasional constipation

                  $1.07 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
                  Used for:
                  $16.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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