Metamucil Powder: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Metamucil Powder contains psyllium, a plant-based bulk-forming fiber laxative. It is used mainly to treat constipation and support digestive health, and may also help lower cholesterol, support healthy blood sugar levels, and reduce appetite. It works by absorbing water to form a gel that softens stool and eases bowel movements. It should always be mixed with liquid before drinking and taken with a full glass of water.

What is Metamucil Powder

Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber laxative that contains psyllium husk, a plant-based fiber. It is available as a powder that you mix with liquid, as well as capsules, gummies, and fiber thins.

Metamucil Powder uses

• Treating constipation and other digestive health issues
• May help lower cholesterol levels
• May help reduce appetite
• May help improve blood sugar levels

Benefits of Metamucil Powder

• Helps relieve constipation by adding bulk and moisture to stool
• Promotes regular and easier bowel movements
• Supports overall digestive and bowel health
• Can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol when taken regularly as directed
• May help support healthy blood sugar levels when used with meals
• May increase fullness, which can support appetite control as part of a healthy diet

How Metamucil Powder works

The fiber in Metamucil absorbs water and swells into a gel that softens stool and helps the intestines move it along. This gel can also trap cholesterol and bile acids so they leave the body as waste instead of being reabsorbed, and it slows how fast sugar enters the blood.

Metamucil Powder dosage

Mix the powder with liquid before taking it — do not swallow the dry powder. Mix with a cool liquid such as water or fruit juice, stir, and drink the mixture right away. If the mixture thickens, add a little more liquid, stir gently, and drink right away. Always take with a full glass of cool or cold water or other liquid, and drink plenty of fluids each day to help improve bowel regularity.

Do not take this medicine within 2 hours before or after taking other oral medicines, since it can stop other drugs from being absorbed properly. Take at regular intervals and do not take more often than directed. A bowel movement usually happens within 12 to 72 hours after taking this medicine. Do not take if you have trouble swallowing.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal schedule; do not double up doses. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Available forms and strengths

• Powder
• Capsules
• Gummies
• Fibre thins

Side effects of Metamucil Powder

Common

• Bloating
• Stomach cramps
• Minor change in bowel habits
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Constipation that lasts longer than 7 days
• Not having a bowel movement after using this medicine
• Rectal bleeding
• Severe stomach pain
• Chest pain, vomiting, or trouble swallowing or breathing after taking this drug

Warnings and precautions

• If you don't take this medicine with enough liquid, it can swell and block your throat or esophagus, which may cause choking. Do not take it if you have trouble swallowing. Get help right away if you have chest pain, vomiting, or trouble swallowing or breathing after taking it.
• Do not take this medicine within 2 hours before or after other oral medicines, since it can stop many drugs from being absorbed into the body.
• Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless your doctor tells you to.
• If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor, since some products contain phenylalanine.
• Do not take this over-the-counter product for more than one week to relieve constipation without checking with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place, 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 as it may cause blockages.
• Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw out drugs; there may be drug take-back programs in your area.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have constipation lasting longer than 7 days, no bowel movement, rectal bleeding, or severe stomach pain.
• If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk with your doctor.
• Get help right away if you have chest pain, are throwing up, or have trouble swallowing or breathing after taking this drug.
• Stop using this medication and contact your care team if you have rectal bleeding or if you need to treat constipation for more than 1 week, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

Alternatives

• Polyethylene Glycol (Macrogol)
• Wheat Dextrin
• Calcium Polycarbophil
• Methylcellulose
• Psyllium Husk / Isabgol