Drug Detail:Metamucil berry burst smooth texture (Psyllium [ sil-ee-um ])
Drug Class: Laxatives
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
Renal Dose Adjustments
No adjustments recommended
Liver Dose Adjustments
No adjustments recommended
Dialysis
No adjustments recommended
Other Comments
Obstruction of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon has occurred when bulk-forming laxatives are administered without adequate fluids or in patients with intestinal stenosis.
Clinical studies have shown that 7 g per day of soluble fiber from psyllium husk may help reduce the risk of heart disease when used as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.