Class: Cathartics and Laxatives
ATC Class: A06AC06
VA Class: GA201
CAS Number: 9004-67-5
Brands: Citrucel, Fibercon, Hydrocil, Konsyl, Metamucil
Introduction
Cellulose derivatives (methylcellulose), calcium polycarbophil, malt soup extract, and psyllium preparations are bulk-forming laxatives.a b f
Uses for Bulk-Forming Laxatives
Constipation
Relief of occasional constipation; restore bowel movement regularity.e f g h i j k l
Initial treatment of choice for simple constipation caused by a low-fiber and/or low-fluid diet.b
Bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, or mineral oil preferred in conditions in which straining at defecation should be avoided (e.g., MI, vascular diseases, diseases of the anus or rectum, hernias, recent rectal surgery).b
Treatment of constipation that occurs following prolonged bed rest or hospitalization.b i
Treatment of choice for constipation resulting from diminished colonic motor response in geriatric patients;b i condition is usually due to psychological or physical laxative dependence.b
Bulk-forming laxatives or stool softeners are the preferred treatment for constipation occurring during pregnancy or the puerperium.b i
Not for use when prompt or thorough bowel evacuation is necessary (e.g., poisonings, radiologic examination, bowel surgery).b
Diarrhea
Increase the bulk of stools in patients with chronic, watery diarrhea; subjective improvement noted but the total water content of the stool was unchanged.b
GI Pain
Reduce intraluminal rectosigmoid pressure and pain in diverticular disease.b i
Hypercholesterolemia†
Psyllium preparations have been used as an adjunct to dietary therapy to reduce elevated serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (apo B) concentrations and the ratio of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol in adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia†.108 109
Bulk-Forming Laxatives Dosage and Administration
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally, in conjunction with adequate fluid intake.a b c d e f g h i j l
For treatment of constipation, administer ≥1 full glass (250 mL) of liquid with each dose.110 a c d e f g h i j k l Some manufacturers recommend another full glass of liquid after dose.e l
When used to increase the bulk of stools in chronic, watery diarrhea, one manufacturer suggests administering 1/3 of a glass (80 mL) of liquid with each dose.a
Administer as infrequently as possible at the lowest effective dosage level.b Do not use for >1 week unless directed by a clinician.b d e f g h i j k
In patients receiving large dosages, administer in divided doses instead of a single daily dose to reduce the risk of esophageal obstruction.110
To minimize side effects, initially administer 0.5–1 dose daily; increase as needed up to 3 doses daily.d i j l
Methylcellulose Powder
Fill glass with ≥240 mL (8 ounces) of cold water; level powder and add to water; stir briskly and drink promptly.e h Chocolate powder may be mixed with milk.h
Psyllium Powder
Place dose in empty glass; fill with ≥240 mL of water or other beverage; stir briskly and drink promptly.i j k l If mixture thickens, add additional liquid and stir.i j l
Psyllium Capsule
Swallow 1 capsule at a time.c i
Dosage
Available as calcium polycarbophil; dosage expressed in terms of polycarbophil.f
Pediatric Patients
Constipation
Oral (Calcium Polycarbophil Caplet)
Children ≥12 years of age: Initially, 1 g once daily.f May increase gradually as needed up to 4 times daily.f
Oral (Methylcellulose Caplet)
Children 6–12 years of age: 500 mg (1 caplet) 1–6 times daily.g
Children >12 years of age: 1 g (2 caplets) 1–6 times daily.g
Oral (Methylcellulose Powder)
Children 6–11 years of age: 1 g 1–3 times daily.e h
Children ≥12 years of age: 2 g 1–3 times daily.e h
Oral (Malt Soup Extract)
Children 2–5 years of age: 3–8 g 1–3 times daily.a
Children 6–11 years of age: 3–16 g 1–3 times daily.a
Children ≥12 years of age: 3–32 g 1–3 times daily.a
Oral (Psyllium Capsule)
Children ≥12 years of age: 2.6 g (5 capsules) 1–3 times daily.c i
Oral (Psyllium Powder)
Children 6–11 years of age: Usually, 1.7 g 1–3 times daily.i j
Children 6–11 years of age (Hydrocil): 3.5 g; maximum 14 g daily in divided doses.k
Children 6–11 years of age (Konsyl): 3 g 1–3 times daily.l
Children ≥12 years of age: Usually, 3.4 g 1–3 times daily.i j
Children ≥12 years of age (Hydrocil): 3.5–7 g; maximum 28 g daily in divided doses.k
Children ≥12 years of age (Konsyl): 6 g 1–3 times daily.l
Oral (Psyllium Wafer)
Children 6–11 years of age: 1.7 g (1 wafer) 1–3 times daily.d i
Children ≥12 years of age: 3.4 g (2 wafers) 1–3 times daily.d i
Adults
Constipation
Oral (Calcium Polycarbophil Caplet)
1 g once daily.f May increase gradually as needed up to 4 times daily.f
Oral (Methylcellulose Caplet)
1 g (2 caplets) 1–6 times daily.g
Oral (Methylcellulose Powder)
2 g 1–3 times daily.e h
Oral (Malt Soup Extract)
3–32 g 1–3 times daily.a
Oral (Psyllium Capsule)
2.6 g (5 capsules) 1–3 times daily.c i
Oral (Psyllium Powder)
Usually, 3.4 g 1–3 times daily.i j
Hydrocil: 3.5–7 g; maximum 28 g daily in divided doses.k
Konsyl: 6 g 1–3 times daily.l
Oral (Psyllium Wafer)
3.4 g (2 wafers) 1–3 times daily.d i
Hypercholesterolemia†
Oral (Psyllium Capsule)
3.2 g (6 capsules) 3 times daily.c
Oral (Sugar-Free Psyllium Powder)
3.4 g 3 times daily before meals.108 109
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Constipation
Oral (Calcium Polycarbophil Caplet)
Children ≥12 years of age, as self-medication: Maximum 4 g (8 caplets) daily; maximum of 7 days.f
Oral (Malt Soup Extract)
Children 2–5 years of age: Maximum 16 g daily.a
Children 6–11 years of age: Maximum 32 g daily.a
Children ≥12 years of age: Maximum 64 g daily.a
Oral (Psyllium Powder)
Children 6–11 years of age (Hydrocil): Maximum 14 g daily.k
Children ≥12 years of age (Hydrocil): Maximum 28 g daily.k
Adults
Constipation
Oral (Calcium Polycarbophil Caplet)
Self-medication: Maximum 4 g (8 caplets) daily; maximum of 7 days.f
Oral (Malt Soup Extract)
Maximum 64 g daily.a
Oral (Psyllium Powder)
Hydrocil: Maximum 28 g daily.k
Special Populations
No special population dosage recommendations at this time.c d e f i j k l
Cautions for Bulk-Forming Laxatives
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to bulk-forming laxatives or any ingredient in the formulation.c d
Acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain.b c d e f g i j k l
Partial obstruction of the bowel.b
Esophageal obstruction, dysphagia, or problems of the throat.110 b c d e f g i j k l (See Obstruction under Cautions.)
Sudden change in bowel habits that lasts >2 weeks.c d e f g i j k l
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Obstruction
Bowel and/or esophageal obstruction, swelling or blockage of the throat, choking, or asphyxiation reported when insufficient liquid (e.g., <250 mL) administered with some bulk-forming laxatives.110 c d e f g h i j k l Administer each dose with ≥1 full glass (250 mL) of liquid.110 c d e f g h i j k l (See Administration under Dosage and Administration and also see Contraindications under Cautions.)
Sensitivity Reactions
Psyllium Hypersensitivity
Serious hypersensitivity reactions possible to inhaled or ingested psyllium.a c d i j l
Do not inhale psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid particles.106 Severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rhinoconjunctivitis, acute bronchospasm, anaphylaxis) may occur in susceptible individuals (e.g., those with psyllium sensitivity or suffering from respiratory disorders) following inhalation of psyllium dust particles.106
One manufacturer suggests that health-care personnel dispense powdered psyllium preparations with a spoon instead of pouring them directly from the container to minimize exposure and sensitization to airborne particles of psyllium.111 i
Milk Hypersensitivity
Citrucel Fiber Shake, Chocolate Flavor, contains dry milk powder; hypersensitivity reactions possible in patients sensitive to milk.h
Phenylketonuria
Metamucil Smooth Texture Sugar Free Orange Flavor contains aspartame (NutraSweet), which is metabolized in the GI tract to provide 25 mg phenylalanine per 3.4 g dose.100 101 102 103 104 105 i
Metamucil Sugar Free Berry Burst Flavor contains aspartame (NutraSweet), which is metabolized in the GI tract to provide16 mg phenylalanine per 3.4 g dose.101 102 103 104 105 j
Citrucel Sugar Free Orange Flavor contains aspartame (NutraSweet), which is metabolized in the GI tract to provide 52 mg per 10.2 g dose. 101 102 103 104 105 e
Citrucel Fiber Shake, Chocolate Flavor contains aspartame (NutraSweet), which is metabolized in the GI tract to provide 49 mg per 10.7 g dose. 101 102 103 104 105 h
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Psyllium: Category B.i
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of methylcellulose not established in children <6 years of age.e g h
Safety and efficacy of malt soup extract not established in children <2 years of age.a
Safety and efficacy of psyllium powders and wafers not established in children <6 years of age.d i j k l
Safety and efficacy of calcium polycarbophil and psyllium capsules not established in children <12 years of age.c f i
Avoid use of laxatives in infants and children.b
Renal Impairment
Use with caution and monitor electrolytes (e.g., magnesium, potassium) in patients with impaired renal function.b
Common Adverse Effects
Psyllium: Changes in bowel habits, minor bloating.c d i j l
Interactions for Bulk-Forming Laxatives
GI Absorption of Other Drugs
By increasing intestinal motility, can potentially decrease transit time of concomitantly administered oral drugs and thereby decrease their absorption.b
Administer ≥2–3 hours before or after other medications.b c d f i j l
Specific Drugs
Drug | Interaction | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Digitalis | May bind digitalis in the GI tract and decrease absorptionb | Administer laxative at least 3 hours before or after digitalisb |
Nitrofurantoin | May bind nitrofurantoin in the GI tract and decrease absorptionb | Administer laxative at least 3 hours before or after nitrofurantoinb |
Salicylates | May bind salicylate in the GI tract and decrease absorptionb | Administer laxative at least 3 hours before or after salicylate b |
Bulk-Forming Laxatives Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Generally not absorbed following oral administration.a Malt soup extract reported to be hydrolyzed and absorbed in the colon.a
Onset
Following oral administration, laxative effect usually occurs within 12–72 hours; full effect may not be apparent for 2–3 days.a c d e f g h i j k l
Elimination
Metabolism
Malt soup extract reportedly metabolized in the liver.a
Stability
Storage
Oral
Calcium Polycarbophil Caplets
20–25°C; protect from moisture.f
Methylcellulose Caplets
Tightly containers at 15–30°C; protect from moisture.g
Methylcellulose Powder
Tight containers at <25°C; protect from humidity.h
Psyllium Capsules
Tight containers at room temperature; protect from humidity.c
Psyllium Wafer
Room temperature.d
ActionsActions
Malt soup extract obtained from the grain of one or more varieties of barley.a
Plantago or psyllium seed is the cleaned, dried, ripe seed of Plantago psylliumand related species; the coating has a high hemicellulose mucilage content.a
Dissolves or swells in water to form an emollient gel or viscous (bulk) solution.b i The resulting bulk causes enlargement of lumen of the colon and a softer stool, thereby decreasing intraluminal pressure and straining.i Promotes peristalsis and reduces transit time.b i
Reduces fecal pH and serum cholesterol, and alters the composition of fecal bile acids; may contribute to laxative effect.b
Advice to Patients
Importance of informing clinicians before use if abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting is present or of a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks.b c d e f g h i j k l
Importance of adequate fluid intake (e.g., ≥250 mL) with each dose to minimize the risk of choking or asphyxiation.c d e f g h i j k l
Importance of informing patients with phenylketonuria that Citrucel Sugar Free Orange Flavor, Metamucil Smooth Texture Sugar Free Orange Flavor and Berry Flavor, and Citrucel Fiber Shake, Chocolate Flavor, contain aspartame.e h i j
Advise patients sensitive to milk that Citrucel Fiber Shake, Chocolate Flavor, contains dry milk powder.h
Importance of not using laxative products for >1 week unless directed by a clinician.b c d e f g h i j k
Importance of stopping use and informing a clinician if a bowel movement does not occur or rectal bleeding occurs after use. c d e f g h i j k l
Inform patients of symptoms of esophageal obstruction (e.g., chest pain and/or pressure, regurgitation, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and/or breathing); advise patients to immediately contact their clinician if such symptoms occur.110 c d e f g h i j k l
Advise patients to take calcium polycarbophil and psyllium laxatives ≥2 hours before or 2 hours after other oral medicines.c d f i j l
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs.
Importance of women informing their clinician if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.a
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Caplets | Calcium polycarbophil 625 mg equivalent to 500 mg polycarbophil | Fibercon | Wyeth |
Konsyl Fiber | Konsyl Pharmaceuticals |
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulk | Powder* | |||
Oral | Powder | 105 mg/g | Citrucel (orange flavor) | GlaxoSmithKline |
174 mg/g | Citrucel Fiber Smoothie | GlaxoSmithKline | ||
187 mg/g | Citrucel Fiber Shake (with aspartame; chocolate flavor) | GlaxoSmithKline | ||
196 mg/g | Citrucel (with aspartame; sugar free; orange flavor) | GlaxoSmithKline | ||
Caplets | 500 mg | Citrucel (with povidone) | GlaxoSmithKline |
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Capsules | 520 mg* | GenFiber | Teva |
Metamucil Fiber | Procter & Gamble | |||
Pieces, chewable | 1.7 g/piece | Metamucil Wafers | Procter & Gamble | |
Powder* | 283 mg/g | Metamucil Coarse Milled (orange flavor) | Procter & Gamble | |
309 mg/g | Metamucil Smooth Texture (orange flavor) | Procter & Gamble | ||
486 mg/g | Metamucil Coarse Milled (regular flavor) | Procter & Gamble | ||
500 mg/g* | Natural Fiber Therapy Powder | Major | ||
586 mg/g | Metamucil Sugar Free Smooth Texture (with aspartame; orange or berry flavor) | Procter & Gamble | ||
630 mg/g | Metamucil Sugar Free Smooth Texture (with aspartame; regular flavor) | Procter & Gamble |
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Capsules* | 520 mg* | Konsyl | Konsyl Pharmaceuticals |
Powder* | 283 mg/g | Konsyl (orange flavor) | Konsyl Pharmaceuticals | |
309 mg/g* | Genfiber (orange flavor) | Teva | ||
486 mg/g* | Genfiber | Teva | ||
500 mg/g* | Reguloid | Rugby | ||
524 mg/g | Konsyl-D | Konsyl Pharmaceuticals | ||
946 mg/g | Hydrocil Instant (sugar-free;with povidone) | Numark | ||
960 mg/g | Konsyl Easy Mix | Konsyl Pharmaceuticals | ||
1 g/g | Konsyl (sugar-free) | Konsyl Pharmaceuticals |
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions May 2008. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
100. Procter & Gamble. Metamucil Fiber Laxative (psyllium husk) prescribing information. In: Physicians’ desk reference. 55th ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company Inc; 2001:2662-3.
101. American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs. Aspartame: review of safety issues. JAMA. 1985; 254:400-2. [IDIS 202002] [PubMed 2861297]
102. Gossel TA. A review of aspartame: characteristics, safety and uses. US Pharm. 1984; 9:26,28-30.
103. Food and Drug Administration. Aspartame as an inactive ingredient in human drug products; labeling requirements. Proposed rule. [21 CFR Part 201] Fed Regist. 1983; 48:54993-5. (IDIS 178728)
104. Food and Drug Administration. Food additives permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption; aspartame. Final rule. [21 CFR Part 172] Fed Regist. 1983; 48:31376-82. (IDIS 172957)
105. Anon. Aspartame and other sweeteners. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1982; 24:1-2. [PubMed 7054648]
106. Schoenwetter WF, Steinberg P. Psyllium hypersensitivity, nurses, and geriatric units. Ann Intern Med. 1985; 103:642. [IDIS 205115] [PubMed 4037572]
108. Bell LP, Hectorne K, Reynolds H et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid: adjunct therapy to a prudent diet for patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. JAMA. 1989; 261:3419-23. [IDIS 255547] [PubMed 2724486]
109. Anderson JW, Zettwoch N, Feldman T et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid for hypercholesterolemic men. Arch Intern Med. 1988; 148:292-6. [IDIS 238228] [PubMed 3277558]
110. Food and Drug Administration. Warning statements required for over-the-counter drugs containing water-soluble gums as active ingredients: proposed rule. (21 CFR Part 201). Fed Regist. 1990; 45782-5.
111. Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH: Personal Communication.
a. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Bulk-forming laxatives . Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:2925-2926.
b. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Cathartics and laxatives general statement. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007: 2919-2923.
c. Procter & Gamble. Metamucil (psyllium husk) capsules patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 Nov 6.
d. Procter & Gamble. Metamucil (psyllium husk) wafer patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 Nov 6.
e. GlaxoSmithKline. Citrucel (methylcellulose) sugar free orange flavor laxative powder. From website: . Accessed 2008 Jan 8.
f. Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil) caplets patient information. From website: . Accessed 2008 Jan 8.
g. GlaxoSmithKline. Citrucel (methylcellulose) caplet patient information. From website: . Accessed 2008 Jan 8.
h. GlaxoSmithKline. Citrucel (methylcellulose) fiber shake, chocolate patient information. From website: . Accessed 2008 Jan 8.
i. Proctor and Gamble. Metamucil (psyllium husk) fiber laxative patient information. In: PDR.net [database online]. Montvale, NJ: Thomson Healthcare; 2006.
j. Procter & Gamble. Metamucil (psyllium husk) berry burst! sugar free powder patient information. From website:. Accessed 2008 Jan 8.
k. Numark Laboratories. Hydrocil Instant (psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid) fiber laxative packets patient information. Edison, NJ; 2001 Sept.
l. Konsyl Pharmaceuticals. Konsyl Easy Mix (psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid) fiber laxative patient information. From website: . Accessed 2008 Jan 24.
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