Smoothy Slim
Photo by Anna Shvets Pexels Logo Photo: Anna Shvets

When should you not take Metamucil?

Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage). Some people are allergic to psyllium, and Metamucil should be stopped and emergency treatment sought if hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling occurs. Not suitable for children younger than six.

drugs.com - Metamucil: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com
How can I rebuild my kidney function?
How can I rebuild my kidney function?

Drink plenty of fluids Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys. Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 6, 2018
What drinks are anti-inflammatory?
What drinks are anti-inflammatory?

Anti-Inflammatory Drinks Fruit Juices That Help Digestion. Everyone knows that it's good for you to eat the right kind of fruits, but you may not...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 18, 2020
Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?
Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion

Metamucil: 7 things you should know

Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on July 15, 2022.

1. How it works

Metamucil is a brand (trade) name for a powdered form of psyllium husk, which is a type of soluble fiber derived from the seed husks of Plantago ovata, a type of plant. Metamucil may be given to relieve constipation or to lower cholesterol. The active ingredient in Metamucil, psyllium husk, absorbs and holds water, which causes it to swell and add bulk and moisture to hardened stools, allowing them to slide though the colon easily. This relieves constipation. Metamucil lowers cholesterol by trapping bile acid in the gut, which instead of being reabsorbed, is removed in the body's waste. Metamucil belongs to the class of medicines known as laxatives. It may also be called a fiber, a bulk-forming laxative, or ispaghula. Psyllium may also be called Plantago seed, plantain seed, psyllium husk, or psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid.

2. Upsides

May help relieve occasional constipation.

Can improve bowel irregularity.

Has cholesterol-lowering properties particularly when given in addition to a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat and may be used to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

May be used as a dietary fiber supplement.

May be used for other, unapproved, indications, such as reducing blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels in people with, or at risk for, type 2 diabetes, and to help manage irritable bowel syndrome.

Available as granules, powder, wafers, and capsules.

Many different brands of psyllium fiber are available.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Common side effects include abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in stool consistency. May aggravate hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated. Some products may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine (phenylketonurics should avoid). People on a low-salt diet or with uncontrolled high blood pressure may need to check with their doctor before using. May not be suitable for people with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, phenylketonuria, or difficulty swallowing.

What is the best moisturizer after a laser treatment?
What is the best moisturizer after a laser treatment?

Home Care Post-Treatment It's crucial you keep your face (treated areas) covered and moist at all times. We just recommend covering your face with...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 27, 2021
How long can you smell alcohol on someone?
How long can you smell alcohol on someone?

12 to 24 hours A breathalyzer test calculates your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by measuring the amount of alcohol on your breath. What most...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 19, 2020
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion

Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).

Some people are allergic to psyllium, and Metamucil should be stopped and emergency treatment sought if hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling occurs.

Not suitable for children younger than six.

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

Metamucil is a fiber supplement that may be used to treat constipation, improve stool consistency, and lower cholesterol. When used to treat constipation, adequate daily fluid intake is vital to ensure its effectiveness.

5. Tips

A good way of adding fiber to your diet, but should be taken in addition to a healthy, mainly vegetable-based diet, together with exercise, and weight control. Take with a full glass of water. If you are taking Metamucil as a way to help lower your cholesterol, avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. If you are taking Metamucil for irritable bowel syndrome, mix the powder with food (preferably yogurt). Less fluid may need to be drunk daily if you are using it for this indication. Make sure you take Metamucil with a full glass of water, otherwise it can swell in your throat and cause choking. Ensure you drink at least six glasses of fluid each day while taking Metamucil.

Swallow Metamucil capsules whole one at a time.

May be taken with or without food.

Mix Metamucil powder with at least 8 ounces of water or fruit juice before drinking straight away. Do not swallow the dry powder. Avoid breathing in the powder when mixing as this may cause a runny nose, watery eyes, and wheezing. Call your doctor immediately if you start bleeding from your rectum, develop severe stomach pain, experience bloating after taking Metamucil, or have any other worrying side effects. Do not take Metamucil for more than seven days in a row without a doctor's advice. Laxatives can be habit-forming if they are taken too much or for too long. If you find Metamucil is not working for you, call your doctor for advice. Also, call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.

How can I detox my body to lose weight naturally?
How can I detox my body to lose weight naturally?

How to Cleanse Your Body Naturally Eat a calorie-controlled diet. ... Choose the best quality foods for weight loss. ... Get plenty of exercise to...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 8, 2019
What can replace coffee in the morning?
What can replace coffee in the morning?

9 Alternatives to Coffee (And Why You Should Try Them) Chicory coffee. Like coffee beans, chicory root can be roasted, ground and brewed into a...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 13, 2018
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Promotion

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits in the past two weeks or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not give Metamucil to children younger than six years unless on a doctor's advice. Keep your Metamucil in a cool, dry, place, away from moisture and heat.

6. Response and effectiveness

A bowel movement can be expected within 12 to 72 hours of taking Metamucil.

7. Interactions

There are few significant interactions with Metamucil. Medications that may interact with Metamucil include:

lactulose

the radiopharmaceutical, fludeoxyglucose (18F).

Metamucil may also affect the absorption of other medications and some vitamins and minerals, as a result of medication being detained in the fiber mass in the intestines and then excreted. Taking medications or vitamins and minerals at least two hours before or two hours after Metamucil can prevent this from happening. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with folic acid. You should refer to the prescribing information for folic acid for a complete list of interactions.

References

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Metamucil only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: July 15, 2022.

Medical Disclaimer

drugs.com - Metamucil: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com
What are the disadvantages of laser?
What are the disadvantages of laser?

Disadvantages of Laser : Costly for Patients – It is costly and consequently more consumption to the patients requiring laser-based medicines....

Read More »
Last updated Apr 15, 2018
How long before the liver starts to repair itself?
How long before the liver starts to repair itself?

Healing can begin as early as a few days to weeks after you stop drinking, but if the damage is severe, healing can take several months. In some...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 28, 2019
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Promotion
Why do you add water to oatmeal?
Why do you add water to oatmeal?

The key to getting a creamy, not-gluey bowl of oatmeal is using enough water. Notice we said water—cooking oatmeal in milk tends to make a...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 11, 2021
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion
Can I take quercetin if I have hypothyroidism?
Can I take quercetin if I have hypothyroidism?

Quercetin - Quercetin and related compounds interfere with thyroid function by reducing activity of an enzyme required to convert iodine to hormone...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 21, 2021