Psyllium
Patient Counselling
Administration: (1)
Adverse drug reactions: (1)
Dosing for adequate intake of total fibre:(2)
Warnings:(2)
References:
- Each dose of the psyllium fibre is to be taken with 240 ml of liquid (approximately 1 cup), either water or juice. If using the powder form measure out the amount and add it into the liquid, stirring briskly and drinking the mixture promptly. If using the capsule or wafer option, take the medication like any other medication and follow it with the 240ml of liquid. It is very important in either case of powder, capsule, and wafer to finish all of the 240 ml of liquid. A meal should also accompany the fibre intake as well, so taking the medication at meal times is best. If more than one dose is needed per day, separation of the doses such as at meal times is needed. Also, separate the fibre intake by two hours either before or after other medications so their absorption is not affected.
Adverse drug reactions: (1)
- GI: Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, esophageal or bowel obstruction, bloating and flatulence (Bloating and flatulence are mostly a problem in the first 4 weeks of using the medication)
- Respiratory: Bronchospasm
- Other: Anaphylaxis with inhalation of the powder, rhino conjunctivitis
Dosing for adequate intake of total fibre:(2)
- Children 1-3: 19g/day
- Children 4-8: 25g/day
- Children 9-13: Males 31g/day; females 26g/day
- Children 14-18: Males 38g/day; females 6g/day
- Adults 19-50: Males 38g/day; females 25g/day
- Adults >50: Males 30g/day; females 21g/day
- Pregnancy: 28g/day
- Lactation: 29g/day
Warnings:(2)
- Not taking adequate fluid intake with this medication may cause swelling and blocking of the throat or esophagus, resulting in choking.
- Avoid inhalation of the powder forms of the medication as it can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the formulation.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Signs of a significant reaction included: wheezing, chest tightness, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin colour, seizures, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat. If any of these symptoms are present after taking the medication seek medical care as soon as possible.
- Report immediately to doctor if any of the following occur while using psyllium: dysphagia, sever nausea, considerable dyspepsia, hematochezia, rectal pain or bleeding and if there is sudden changes of bowel habits which last greater than 2 weeks
References:
- Lexi-comp. Psyllium. Available at:http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid /patch_f/7589. Updated July 3, 2014. Accessed June 23, 2014
- e-Therapeutics. Metamucil Preparations monograph. https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/ cps.select.preliminaryFilter.action?simplePreliminaryFilter=psyllium+hydrophilic+mucilloid#. Updated 2014. Accessed June 23, 2014.