• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is psyllium?
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. It absorbs liquid in the intestines and makes a bulky, softer stool which is easier to pass. Psyllium is used to treat constipation. Psyllium may also be used to treat diarrhea and to lower cholesterol when prescribed by a doctor. Psyllium may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

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What are the possible side effects of psyllium?

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking psyllium and seek medical treatment or call your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• chest pain;

• difficulty in swallowing;

• rectal bleeding; or

• severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.

Other, less serious side effects, other than those listed here, may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take psyllium?
Take psyllium exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take psyllium with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of cool water or another liquid. Taking psyllium without enough liquid may cause it to swell in the throat and cause choking. Avoid breathing in the dust from psyllium powder when mixing. The dust can cause an allergic reaction when accidently inhaled. Chew the wafers thoroughly before swallowing.

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What is the most important information I should know about psyllium?
Do not use psyllium without first talking to your doctor if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, rectal bleeding, or difficulty in swallowing. Take psyllium with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of cool water or another liquid. Taking psyllium without enough liquid may cause it to swell in the throat and cause choking. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking psyllium, seek immediate medical attention.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. It is not necessary to take a double dose.

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What other drugs will affect psyllium?
Psyllium can interact with many medications. Before taking psyllium, tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. You may not be able to take psyllium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any other medicines. If you are taking another medicine by mouth, take psyllium at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after the prescribed medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Psyllium has been assigned to pregnancy category B. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Psyllium should be given during pregnancy when need has been clearly established.

There are no data on the excretion of psyllium into human milk.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to bulk-forming laxatives or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain.
• Partial obstruction of the bowel.
• Esophageal obstruction, dysphagia, or problems of the throat. (See Obstruction under Cautions.)
• Sudden change in bowel habits that lasts >2 weeks.

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What does my medication look like?
Psyllium is available over-the-counter under many brand names in several formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a psyllium overdose are not known but might include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.

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Who should not take psyllium?
Do not take psyllium without first talking to your doctor if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, or rectal bleeding; difficulty in swallowing; or intestinal obstruction or fecal impaction. You may not be able to take psyllium or you may require special monitoring while taking psyllium if you have any of the conditions listed above. Psyllium is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take psyllium without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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