A medication used for treating constipation, Metamucil increases the size within your stool. This is the effect which helps in promoting movement of one’s intestines. The medication also functions by adding the water amount within the stool, which makes the stool easier and softer to pass.
Understanding Metamucil in Depth
The generic name of Metamucil is Psyllium, which is a certain form of bulk-forming laxative. This medication has also been applied along with the proper diet in order to cure high cholesterol. Metamucil can also be applied to heal in relieving the symptoms produced by irritable bowel syndrome.
The medication may be taken orally as recommended by the doctor. When you are dealing with self treating, the product package comes with the directions on which you can follow along. If you are not sure about the provided information, you can ask your pharmacist or doctor. In order to avoid choking cases from the medication, it is suggested that you take it with one full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). When you take the wafers, make sure to thoroughly chew them before you swallow.
For the powder form of Metamucil, you can measure per dose in accordance to the directions found on the label of the product. Blend in one full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), mix completely and consume immediately. You can add in more liquid to the formula once it turns to be too thick. When dealing with the drug preparation, make sure not to sniff in the powder, as it might seldom cause some allergic reaction.
The dosage of the medication depends on your medical condition, age, and reaction to treatment. Make sure not to add your dosage or take the medication more frequently than directed.
Knowing About Metamucil Side Effects
Just like any other types of medications, taking Metamucil also comes with some side effects. However, some side effects of taking the medication might not be reported. Hence, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare specialist or doctor for professional medical advice. It is also suggested to report such side effects to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Consult your doctor once any of the following common Metamucil side effects become bothersome or persist: Minor bloating and/or abdominal fullness.
Immediately seek medical attention once any of the following severe side effects take place while consuming psyllium, which is the active ingredient found in Metamucil: Serious allergic reactions, such as breathing difficulty, hives, rash, chest tightness, tongue, lips, face or mouth swelling; difficulty swallowing; chest pain, vomiting and/or trouble breathing.
Top 2 Reported Metamucil Side Effects
Aside from these, the following are other reported Metamucil side effects:
1. Hypersensitivity
This side effect has included inhalation sensitization of tiny dust particles that are spread into the air while the product is being poured or mixed. Although hypersensitivity reactions might be serious, they are most often reported by those people working within the pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing the drug. Psyllium that is ingested orally seems less probable to provoke sensitization.
2. Hematologic
The eosinophilia case report was presumed to be the mere manifestation of the psyllium allergic reaction.