Psyllium Capsules

What is this medication?

PSYLLIUM (SIL i yum) may support digestion and heart health. It works by increasing the bulk of your stool. This increases pressure, which helps the muscles in your intestine move stool. It also reduces the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from food.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): GenFiber, Konsyl, Metamucil, Metamucil MultiHealth, Natural Fiber Laxative, Reguloid

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Blockage in your bowel
• Difficulty swallowing
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks
• An unusual or allergic reaction to psyllium, other medications, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying or get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the package labeling, or take as directed by your care team. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after other medications.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check with your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Stop using this medication and contact your care team if you have rectal bleeding or if you have to treat your constipation for more than 1 week. These could be signs of a more serious condition.

Drink several glasses of water a day while you are taking this medication. This will help to relieve constipation and prevent dehydration.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Choking—chest pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.