Pronunciation: SILL-i-um
Generic Name: Psyllium
Brand Name: Examples include Konsyl and Metamucil Smooth Texture
Psyllium Powder is used for:
Treating occasional constipation and restoring regularity. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Psyllium Powder is a fiber laxative. It works by absorbing water and swelling in the intestines. This helps the stool form the bulk necessary to be easily passed.
Do NOT use Psyllium Powder if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Psyllium Powder
- you have appendicitis, difficulty swallowing, severe constipation, intestinal blockage, or undiagnosed rectal bleeding
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Psyllium Powder:
Some medical conditions may interact with Psyllium Powder. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a sudden change in bowel habits persisting for more than 2 weeks
- if you have stomach or intestinal pain, nausea, or vomiting
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Psyllium Powder. However, no specific interactions with Psyllium Powder are known at this time.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Psyllium Powder may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Psyllium Powder:
Use Psyllium Powder as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Psyllium Powder may be taken with or without food.
- Empty the contents of 1 packet (unless directed by your doctor to use a different dose) into an empty glass. Mix Psyllium Powder with a full glass (at least 8 oz or 240 mL) of water or other liquid. Stir briskly and drink immediately. If the mixture thickens, add more liquid and stir.
- Do not take other oral medicines within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Psyllium Powder.
- If you miss a dose of Psyllium Powder, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Psyllium Powder.
Important safety information:
- If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Do not take additional laxatives or stool softeners with Psyllium Powder unless directed by your doctor.
- Do not use Psyllium Powder if you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding, except under the direction of your doctor.
- If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more, do not continue using Psyllium Powder. Instead, check with your doctor.
- Taking this product without enough liquid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention.
- Do not use Psyllium Powder in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age without first checking with your doctor.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Psyllium Powder, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Psyllium Powder during pregnancy. It is unknown if Psyllium Powder is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Psyllium Powder, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Psyllium Powder:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abdominal fullness; minor bloating.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; difficulty swallowing; trouble breathing; vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Psyllium side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Psyllium Powder:
Store Psyllium Powder at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Psyllium Powder out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Psyllium Powder, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Psyllium Powder is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Psyllium Powder. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Psyllium resources
- Psyllium Side Effects (in more detail)
- Psyllium Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Psyllium Drug Interactions
- Psyllium Support Group
- 4 Reviews for Psyllium - Add your own review/rating
Compare Psyllium with other medications
- Constipation
- Dietary Fiber Supplementation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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