Ispaghula husk helps relieve constipation and maintain the regularity of bowel movement.
It belongs to a group of medicines called bulk-forming laxatives. This medicine works by absorbing water and increasing stool volume, making it softer and easier to pass out of the body.
Ispaghula husk may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Ispaghula husk exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of Ispaghula husk may be taken differently.
Do not take this medicine immediately before going to bed.
Ispaghula husk is available as a powder for oral solution and conventional or effervescent granules for oral suspension.
If you are taking the powder for oral solution and conventional granules for oral suspension, empty the contents of the sachet into a glass. Add at least 150 mL of water or other liquid such as fruit juice. Stir well to disperse the powder or granules evenly in the water, then drink the solution or suspension immediately.
If you are taking the effervescent granules for oral suspension, empty the contents of the sachet into a glass with at least 150 mL of water and stir well. As soon as the bubbling subsides, drink the suspension immediately.
Always take Ispaghula husk with adequate fluid. When taken with inadequate fluid, this medicine may increase the risk of choking since it may block your throat or food pipe.
If your constipation does not resolve after 3 days, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not take Ispaghula husk if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blocked bowel
- faecal impaction (severe constipation where the stool becomes stuck in the large intestine or rectum)
- colonic atony (muscle weakness of the bowel wall)
- a sudden change in bowel habits that has persisted for more than 2 weeks
- difficulty swallowing or throat problems
- slowed or reduced movement of food in the intestines
- unexplained rectal bleeding
as Ispaghula husk may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ispaghula husk to a child, the elderly or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
What lifestyle changes can I make to prevent constipation?
You can adopt some of the following lifestyle changes to help prevent constipation:
- Include high-fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-grain cereals, and bread in your diet. Add fibre to your diet gradually to help reduce gas and bloating.
- Drink plenty of liquids. Limit caffeine intake, which may worsen symptoms of constipation by causing dehydration.
- Be active and exercise regularly.
- Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
Ispaghula husk may cause any of the following side effects: runny or stuffy nose, bloating, and stomach wind.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- abdominal pain, changes or irregularities in the stool
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicines or supplements containing calcium, iron or zinc
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ispaghula husk.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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