Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber laxative that is used to treat occasional constipation or bowel irregularity.

Psyllium may also 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 medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Laxatives may be habit-forming if they are used too often or for too long.

Psyllium can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don't take it with enough liquid. Drink plenty of fluids each day to help improve bowel regularity.

Take psyllium with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water or other liquid.

Swallow psyllium capsules one at a time.

Psyllium powder must be mixed with liquid before you take it. Do not swallow the dry powder. Mix with at least 8 ounces of liquid such as water or fruit juice. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Psyllium usually produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.

Do not take psyllium for longer than 7 days in a row without a doctor's advice. Using a laxative too often or for too long may cause severe medical problems with your intestines.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Psyllium may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

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

You should not take psyllium if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if psyllium is safe to use if you have ever had:

• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting;

• trouble swallowing; or

• a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.

This medicine may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, phenylketonuria (PKU), or if you are on a low-salt diet.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Do not give psyllium to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

Since psyllium is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

To prevent constipation, drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly, and eat a high-fiber diet, including whole-grain (e.g., bran) cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

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 high in fat or cholesterol or your overall treatment will not be as effective.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Psyllium may cause serious side effects. Stop using psyllium and call your doctor at once if you have:

• constipation that lasts longer than 7 days;

• rectal bleeding; or

• severe stomach pain.

Common side effects of psyllium 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 can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth, possibly making them less effective. If you take any oral medicines, take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take psyllium.

Other drugs may affect psyllium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about taking this medicine.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

You’ll likely have a bowel movement within three days of taking psyllium.

Don’t use this product for longer than seven days without first discussing with your physician.

Your dosage will depend on the brand of psyllium you’re using.

Follow the instructions on your product label carefully. Don’t take more psyllium than is recommended.

Though research on its effectiveness isn’t conclusive, psyllium may also be used to prevent or treat other conditions, including:

• Diarrhea
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hemorrhoids
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Colon cancer

• Modane Bulk® (containing Glucose, Psyllium)
• Perdiem® (containing Psyllium, Senna)
• Syllamalt® (containing Malt soup extract, Psyllium)