Drug Detail:Methylcellulose (Methylcellulose [ meth-il-sel-yoo-los ])
Drug Class: Laxatives
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation
2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaped tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaped tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation
6 to 12 years:
1 tablet (500 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or one-half tablespoonful (9.5 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day, or one-half tablespoonful (5.1 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day. The mixture should be administered promptly, and drinking another glass of water is highly recommended.
>12 years:
oral tablet:
2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaped tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaped tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.
Renal Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Liver Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Precautions
Administer with at least an 8 ounce glass of water or other fluid. Taking this product without enough liquid may cause it to swell and block the esophagus possibly resulting in choking.
Methylcellulose should not be used in patients with difficulty swallowing.
Seek immediate medical attention if chest pain, vomiting, and/or difficulty swallowing or breathing occur after administration.
Do not take sugar-free product if on a phenylalanine-free diet.
Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a physician.
Methylcellulose should generally not be used for a period of greater than one week, unless otherwise directed by a physician.
Methylcellulose should generally not be used if abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present, unless otherwise directed by a physician.
Dialysis
No adjustment recommended
Other Comments
Continued use for 12 to 72 hours may be necessary for full benefit. Methylcellulose generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.
