Drug Detail:Polycarbophil (Polycarbophil [ pol-ee-kar-boe-fil ])
Generic Name: Polycarbophil Chewable Tablets [ pol-i-KAR-boe-fil ]
Drug Class: Laxatives
Uses of Polycarbophil Chewable Tablets:
- It is used to treat constipation.
- It is used to treat diarrhea.
- It is used to raise fiber in the diet.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Polycarbophil Chewable Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to polycarbophil or any other part of this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets); any part of this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have trouble swallowing.
- If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, belly pain, upset stomach, rectal bleeding, throwing up, or change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Polycarbophil Chewable Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Be sure to take this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) with plenty of fluids. If you do not, this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) may swell and block your throat. This could lead to choking. Talk with your doctor.
- This medicine prevents many other drugs from getting into the body. If you take other drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take them at some other time than this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets).
- Do not use this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) for more than 1 week unless told to do so by your doctor.
- If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets), talk with your doctor.
- Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Polycarbophil Chewable Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Chew well before swallowing.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Trouble breathing.
- Belly pain.
What are some other side effects of Polycarbophil Chewable Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Polycarbophil Chewable Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (polycarbophil chewable tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.