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 other 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?

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

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this product. Before you take psyllium, tell your doctor 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.
FDA pregnancy category B. 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.

Psyllium Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Psyllium?

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 Interactions

What other drugs affect Psyllium?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); 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 there may be other drugs that can interact with psyllium. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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 Dosage

How should I take Psyllium?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Psyllium is intended to be used for a short time only.
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 psyllium at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Psyllium?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
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 happens if I miss a dose of Psyllium?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Psyllium