Generic Name: psyllium (SIL ee um)
Brand names: Fiberall, Hydrocil, Konsyl, Konsyl Orange Sugar-free, Konsyl-D, Konsyl-Orange, Laxmar, Laxmar Orange, Laxmar Sugar Free, Metamucil, Metamucil Berry Burst Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Metamucil Orange Coarse Milled Original Texture, Metamucil Orange Smooth Texture, Metamucil Orange Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Metamucil Original Texture Regular, Metamucil Pink Lemonade Smooth Texture Sugar-Free, Metamucil Unflavored Coarse Milled Original Texture, Metamucil Unflavored Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Natural Fiber Therapy, Perdiem Fiber Powder, Reguloid, ...show all 33 brand names.
What is psyllium?
Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. Psyllium works by absorbing liquid in the intestines and swelling to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass.
Psyllium is used to treat occasional constipation or bowel irregularity. Psyllium may also be used to treat diarrhea and may help lower cholesterol when used together with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
Psyllium may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
What is the most important information I should know about psyllium?
Laxatives may be habit-forming if they are used too often or for too long. This can lead to damage of intestinal nerves or muscle tissues. Do not take psyllium for longer than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor. You should not take this product if you are allergic to psyllium, or if you have trouble swallowing, a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts longer than 2 weeks, severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, or if you have ever had a skin rash while taking psyllium.
Also talk with your doctor before using psyllium if you have a colostomy or ileostomy, rectal bleeding, or a blockage in your intestines.
Stop using psyllium and call your doctor at once if you have choking or trouble swallowing, severe stomach pain or cramping, nausea or vomiting, constipation that lasts longer than 7 days, rectal bleeding, or itchy skin rash. Do not take psyllium for longer than 7 days in a row unless your doctor has told you to.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking psyllium?
Laxatives may be habit-forming if they are used too often or for too long. This can lead to damage of intestinal nerves or muscle tissues. Do not take psyllium for longer than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor. You should not take this product if you are allergic to psyllium, or if you have:
trouble swallowing;
a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts longer than 2 weeks;
severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; or
if you have ever had a skin rash while taking psyllium.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:
a colostomy or ileostomy;
rectal bleeding; or
a blockage in your intestines.
Psyllium products may contain sugar, sodium, or artificial sweeteners. This may be of concern to you if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the product label if you have any of these conditions.
Psyllium is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether psyllium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take psyllium?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take psyllium with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water or another liquid. Taking psyllium without enough liquid may cause it to swell in your throat and cause choking. Drinking plenty of fluids each day while you are taking psyllium will also help improve bowel regularity.
The psyllium wafer must be chewed before you swallow it.
Do not swallow psyllium powder dry. It must be mixed with liquid. Place the psyllium powder into an empty glass and add at least 8 ounces of water or other liquid such as fruit juice. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away.
If the powder and liquid mixture is too thick, add more liquid. After drinking the entire mixture, add a little more liquid to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away to make sure you get the entire dose of psyllium.
Psyllium may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
It may take up to 3 days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 or 3 days of treatment.
Do not take psyllium for longer than 7 days in a row unless your doctor has told you to. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since psyllium is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after using psyllium.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Using a laxative too often or for too long may cause severe medical problems involving your intestines.
What should I avoid while taking psyllium?
Avoid taking other oral (by mouth) medications within 2 hours before or after you take psyllium. Bulk-forming laxatives can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications, possibly making them less effective.
Avoid breathing in the dust from psyllium powder when mixing. Inhaling psyllium dust may cause an allergic reaction.
If you take psyllium as part of a cholesterol-lowering treatment plan, avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Your treatment will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Psyllium side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using psyllium and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
choking or trouble swallowing;
severe stomach pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting;
constipation that lasts longer than 7 days;
rectal bleeding; or
itchy skin rash.
Less serious side effects may include:
bloating; or
minor change in your bowel habits.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Psyllium Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:
Daily fiber:
Adults 19 to 50 years: Male: 38 g/day; Female: 25 g/day
Pregnancy: 28 g/day
Lactation: 29 g/day
Dose:
1 to 2 rounded teaspoonfuls, 1 to 2 packets, 1 to 2 wafers, or 5 to 6 capsules orally with 8 ounces of fluid 1 to 3 times a day
Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Daily fiber:
Adults 19 to 50 years: Male: 38 g/day; Female: 25 g/day
Pregnancy: 28 g/day
Lactation: 29 g/day
Dose:
1 to 2 rounded teaspoonfuls, 1 to 2 packets, 1 to 2 wafers, or 5 to 6 capsules orally with 8 ounces of fluid 1 to 3 times a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation:
Daily fiber:
Children 1 to 3 years: 19 g/day
Children 4 to 8 years: 25 g/day
Children 9 to 13 years: Male: 31 g/day; Female: 26 g/day
Children 14 to 18 years: Male: 38 g/day; Female: 26 g/day
Constipation:
Children 6 to 11 years: 1.25 to 15 g orally per day in divided doses
Children greater than or equal to 12 years and Adults: 2.5 to 30 g per day in divided doses
What other drugs will affect psyllium?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with psyllium. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
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
- Psyllium MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Konsyl Powder MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare psyllium with other medications
- Constipation
- Dietary Fiber Supplementation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about psyllium.
See also: psyllium side effects (in more detail)
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