POLYCARBOPHIL

Overview

POLYCARBOPHIL is an Over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
Polycarbophil is a bulk-forming laxative that increases the amount of water in your stools to help make them softer and easier to pass.Polycarbophil is used to treat constipation and to help maintain regular bowel movements.It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines.

Usage

POLYCARBOPHIL is generally used to treat: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Constipation
POLYCARBOPHIL can address symptoms like: Constipation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Check with your Doctor first

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Check with your Doctor first

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Not Advised for age < 6yrs

Q: Is it safe to take for someone breastfeeding?
A: Check with your Doctor first

How Do I Take It?

Route of Administration: Oral

Precautions

  • Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.
  • You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to polycarbophil or to mineral oil, sodium laurel sulfate, or povidoneThis medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before taking polycarbophil if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
  • Do not give this medicine to a young child without the advice of a doctor.
  • Polycarbophil is usually taken 1 to 4 times per day. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
  • Overuse of a laxative may cause damage to the nerves, muscles, or tissues in your intestines.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid. Then drink one more glass of water.The chewable tablet form of polycarbophil must be chewed before you swallow it. After chewing and swallowing the tablet, drink a full glass of water.
  • Taking polycarbophil without enough liquid may cause the tablet to swell in your throat and cause choking, especially in older adults.
  • Drink plenty of fluids each day while you are taking polycarbophil.
  • You should have a bowel movement within 12 hours to 3 days.
  • Avoid taking polycarbophil within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take any other medicines. A laxative can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines.
  • Together with Polycarbophil, fiber rich diet containing whole grain bread and cereals, bran, fruits and green leafy vegetables, is essential to maintain healthy bowel function.
  • Avoid taking a Polycarbophil for more than 1 week, unless prescribed by the doctor, as it leads to dependency on the laxative action to produce a bowel movement.
  • A Polycarbophil should be preferably taken at bedtime because it requires 6 to 8 hours to show impact.

Common Side-Effects

POLYCARBOPHIL : Gas, Stomach Pain, Increased Passing Gas, Abdomen Bloating Or Fullness, Abdomen Pain, Wheezing, Throat Tightness, Abdomen Upset Stomach, Abdomen Stomach Cramps

Serious Side-Effects

POLYCARBOPHIL : Difficulty Swallowing, Difficulty Breathing, Chest Pain, Face Swelling, Swollen Lips, Difficulty Talking, Swollen Tongue

Rare Side-Effects

POLYCARBOPHIL : Skin Rash, Itchy Skin, Dizziness

Technical Classification

POLYCARBOPHIL is categorized as: LAXATIVES / GASTROINTESTINAL AGENTS

Storage Conditions

Room Temperature (Between 15 To 25 C)

Available Alternatives

Common Drugs with POLYCARBOPHIL as Ingredient

CARBOCIUM 10MG TABPOLYCARBOPHIL 10.0 MG
FIBOTAB 500MG TABPOLYCARBOPHIL 500.0 MG
NORMOSYS 500MG TABPOLYCARBOPHIL 500.0 MG