Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Metamucil

Metamucil: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Metamucil?

Metamucil, generally known as psyllium, and in India as Ispaghol, is a gel-forming laxative used to relieve constipation and other bowel-related issues.

It is a soluble fiber that has been traditionally used in India for ages to cure constipation and colon cleansing due to its laxative properties. It is also known to lower cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood, thus helping in maintaining good health.

What are the uses of Metamucil?

  • Metamucil is generally used to ease bowel movement during constipation.
  • It is also known to help in lowering cholesterol. Hence it is widely added in ready-made cereals
  • It is also used by Type 2 diabetes patients for managing their sugar levels.
  • It lowers cholesterol and helps patients maintain their lipid profile and heart health.
  • As a stool softener, it helps in the easy facilitation of bowel movements in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)patients.

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    What are the side effects of Metamucil?

    • Metamucil is a stool softener and should only be used in case of irregular bowel issues and chronic constipation. 
    • Being a fiber, it is not digested by the body. It should not be used in excessive quantities.
    • Too much use of Metamucil can cause diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating.
    • It also leads to abdominal pain.
    • Metamucil, if ingested in a dry form, can cause choking of the throat.
    • In severe cases, it may cause rectal bleeding.

    What is Metamucil

    Uses of Metamucil

    Side effects of Metamucil

    References

    1. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/metamucil
    2. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/fiber-supplements
    3. https://www.everydayhealth.com/ibs/diarrhea-and-ibs.aspx#:~:text=Take%20fiber.,have%20diarrhea%2C%22%20recommends%20Gilinsky

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Metamucil

    Metamucil or Ispaghol (psyllium husk), as it is commonly known in India, is a laxative and fiber supplement.
    It comes in the form of a husk or capsule, which gets converted into gel-like mass when mixed with water. Metamucil is 100% natural and is derived from seeds of a plant named Plantago ovata, native to the Indian subcontinent.c

    Yes. Metamucil is known to show a positive effect on inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) patients suffering from diarrhea. Metamucil absorbs excess water from the intestines and slows down digestion. However, since it is primarily used for softening firm stools, care should be taken in using Metamucil for IBS diarrhea.

    No. Metamucil isn't known to increase your weight. Instead, it helps in lowering the bad cholesterol in the body and lowering the sugar levels in the blood. As a fiber, it increases the feeling of fullness in the body, resulting in the intake of fewer calories, thus helping in weight management.

    Yes, Metamucil is a class of medication known as a laxative which is used during constipation in softening stools and regulating irregular bowel activity. Metamucil absorbs water from the intestines, thus adding water to the stools so that they pass out easily and without any discomfort.

    Metamucil is a laxative and fiber supplement which is generally good for your health, especially if your diet lacks adequate fiber or you are someone suffering from chronic constipation. It doesn't possess any nutritional value but is known to regulate sugar levels and lower cholesterol in the blood.

    Yes. Metamucil is a fiber made up of psyllium husk. It has no odor and flavor of its own. Therefore, it can be added to a variety of food groups. When mixed with water, it forms a gel-like consistency which, when taken by anyone, helps in regularizing bowel movement.

    Metamucil generally takes 12 hours to 72 hours or 1- 3 days to show its full effect on bowel irregularity. If taken consistently for two weeks or more, it eases the movement of the bowel through the intestines, thus helping in getting rid of chronic constipation.

    Many studies have proved that fiber shouldn't be combined with medications used to treat depression, thyroid, diabetes, seizures, and drugs like paracetamol, aspirin, etc. Care should be taken if you are on these medications and have to use psyllium for bowel irregularity. Consume your medicines before or after two hours after taking Metamucil.

    Metamucil can cause diarrhea if taken in excessive quantities. Metamucil absorbs water from the intestines and rises to a gel-like consistency adding bulk to your food. If you are getting enough fiber from your diet, adding Metamucil can overstimulate intestinal motility and result in cramping and diarrhea.

    Metamucil is a fiber supplement that does not harm if taken daily. But please note that it doesn't possess any nutritional value. Hence it must be used carefully or should be reserved for occasional issues like episodes of constipation. As a part of a cholesterol-lowering diet, it can be taken moderately after consulting a physician.

    If you are allergic to psyllium husk or have severe constipation along with rectal bleeding, then you must avoid taking Metamucil and consult your doctor as soon as possible. As psyllium is a dry husk, if you have problems associated with dry mouth or swallowing, then also you should avoid taking Metamucil.