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Do capsules work as well as other versions of Metamucil?
Capsules, powders, and wafers have the same active ingredient—psyllium husk. One serving of any form of Metamucil is approximately equal to 3 grams of dietary fiber. The exception is the Metamucil Wafers, which offer 6 grams of dietary fiber per two-wafer serving. Six Metamucil Capsules equal one serving. Five Metamucil Capsules Plus Calcium equal one serving, providing 300mg of calcium in addition to the 3 grams of dietary fiber. Capsules, powders, and wafers all generally produce laxation results in 12 to 72 hours.
Why do I have to take so many capsules?
To get the required amount of psyllium for efficacy, you need to take the appropriate number of capsules. Each Metamucil Capsule contains 0.52 g of psyllium husk. When using Metamucil Capsules as a fiber laxative, adults (12 years and older) should take five capsules with 8 ounces of liquid (swallow one capsule at a time) at the first sign of irregularity. This dose can be taken up to three times daily if needed and generally produces results in 12 to 72 hours. When using Metamucil Capsules as a fiber supplement, adults (12 years and older) should take two to six capsules for increasing daily fiber intake, and six capsules (three times a day) for cholesterol-lowering use. When using Metamucil Capsules Plus Calcium as a fiber supplement, adults (12 years and older) should take two to five capsules for increasing daily fiber intake, and five capsules (four times a day) for cholesterol-lowering use. Take this product with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of liquid. Taking without enough liquid may cause choking. You can spread out doses throughout the day to meet your individual needs.
What is the active ingredient in Metamucil?
The active ingredient in Metamucil fiber laxative is psyllium husk, a natural plant fiber that is a great source of soluble fiber.
How much of the active ingredient does Metamucil contain?
Metamucil Powder/Wafer formulations deliver approximately 3.4 g of psyllium husk per dose. Metamucil Capsules deliver 525 mg of psyllium husk per capsule. Metamucil Capsules Plus Calcium deliver 550 mg of psyllium husk per capsule.
What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber?
Dietary fiber can be divided into two main types: soluble and insoluble. Some soluble fiber (such as the kind in Metamucil) forms a viscous gel. Other kinds of soluble fiber (such as the kind in Fibersure™) dissolve completely in water. Insoluble fibers do not form gels and move through the GI tract largely intact. Most fibers are never exclusively soluble or insoluble, but are a mixture of both types. For example, psyllium husk is rich in soluble fiber (approximately 75 percent), while wheat bran contains mostly insoluble fiber. In fact, psyllium husk is one of the highest naturally occurring sources of soluble fiber. In comparison, oat bran is about 7 percent soluble. Both types of fiber are important to a healthy diet.
How much sugar is in Metamucil and what effect would this have on a calorie-restricted diet?
Wafers and some of the Metamucil powdered formulations contain sugar. In general, products containing sugar are not recommended for patients with diabetes, and the wafers may not be appropriate for patients on calorie-restricted diets (120 calories per dose). There are, however, Sugar Free Metamucil products (Powders and Capsules) that don't contain sugar and are low in calories.
Are there any drug interactions or restrictions with Metamucil?
Laxatives, including bulk fibers, may affect how well other medications work. If you are taking a prescription medication by mouth, take Metamucil at least two hours before or two hours after the prescribed medicine.
I have read your label precaution, and I am curious as to the exact medications one should be careful to separate by the recommended two-hour period.
All oral prescription medications are covered by this label precaution. Healthcare professionals wanting further information should contact the scientific communications manager at (800) 358-8707.
Why is the dosage/serving size different for some versions of Metamucil Powders?
All Metamucil powder products contain the same amount of psyllium husk per dose/serving—3.4 grams. However, dosage/serving size amounts differ by version because the sweeteners and flavorings used in each Metamucil product vary in volume.
In what flavors/versions is Metamucil available?
Currently, Metamucil is available in Capsules, Capsules Plus Calcium, Coarse Milled Original Texture (OT) Unflavored, Coarse Milled OT Sugar Orange, Smooth Texture (ST) Sugar Free Unflavored, ST Sugar Free Orange, ST Sugar Orange, ST Sugar Free Berry, and ST Sugar Free Pink Lemonade. All other flavors and versions (citrus, effervescent, lemon-lime, strawberry) have been discontinued. Metamucil Wafers are available in Apple and Cinnamon flavors (natural and artificial flavors).
Can I use Metamucil in a nasogastric (ng) tube? In a gastric (g) tube?
Because of the small-bore (opening) size of the ng and g tube, Metamucil is not recommended for use in this situation. The risk of clogging the tube with the product is too great to justify its use.
The doctor has written "Metamucil 1 tablespoon t.i.d.," yet all I have available in the pharmacy are the single-dose packets (1 teaspoon). Should we be giving the patient three packets three times/day?
No. The doctor perhaps does not understand the size of the prepackaged Metamucil available in your pharmacy. Please explain this to him/her or have them call directly to the scientific communications manager (800-358-8707) for an explanation. (Note: Some doctors are not aware of the availability of a Sugar Free version of Metamucil, so they commonly "over prescribe," calling for tablespoon dosing when all the pharmacy carries is single-dose, Sugar Free packets in teaspoon dose.)
Where can I find information on Metamucil sodium/potassium/calorie/
carbohydrate/fat/phenylalanine levels per dose?
You can consult our dosage and serving information page, the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), or the Physician's Desk Reference for Nonprescription Drugs (NPDR) under the "Procter & Gamble" listing, or call the scientific communications manager at (800) 358-8707. If you choose the latter option, additional information is available on elements such as phosphorus and magnesium content.
Does Metamucil contain gluten?
All Metamucil Powders and Capsules are gluten-free. Metamucil Wafers, however, contain gluten (Apple 0.7g/dose; Cinnamon 0.5g/dose) because they have wheat flour as an ingredient.
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