Bulk-forming Laxative·Gastrointestinal - Laxatives

Psyllium

Simple chronic constipation, improving stool consistency in IBS, hemorrhoids

BULK LAXATIVEMetamucil, MucilaxPowder (flavoured or smooth…UNSCHEDULEDTGA

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Max Dose

30 g/day

Caution: Onset

2-3 Days

Caution: Water Req.

MANDATORY

High risk: Opioids

INEFFECTIVE

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Fecal impaction, mechanical bowel obstruction, dysphagia, bedbound/immobile patients (high risk of impaction). Pregnancy Category A. Excellent safe option for pregnancy constipation.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Plant-derived soluble fiber (Metamucil). Absorbs water in the gut to create a bulky, soft stool, which stretches the colon wall and stimulates natural peristalsis.

Clinical Focus

Must be consumed with a massive glass of water. If taken without water, it forms a solid concrete plug and causes a catastrophic bowel obstruction.

Bottom Line

Psyllium is a natural bulk-forming fibre laxative for constipation and IBS, but must be taken with adequate water to avoid bowel obstruction and takes 2-3 days for effect.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Metamucil, Mucilax

Oral Routes

Powder (flavoured or smooth texture). Capsules (require massive water intake).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Simple chronic constipation, improving stool consistency in IBS, hemorrhoids.

Clinical Place

First-line baseline dietary supplement for healthy patients. Useless for opioid-induced or severe hospital constipation.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Bulk-forming Laxative — Plant-derived soluble fiber (Metamucil).

Route / Formulation

Powder (flavoured or smooth texture). Capsules (require massive water intake). (Metamucil, Mucilax)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 1-2 teaspoons (or sachets) mixed in 250 mL of water, 1 to 3 times a day. Max 30 g/day (e.g., 2 teaspoons TDS).

Key Indication Doses

Chronic Constipation: PO 1-2 teaspoons (or sachets) mixed in 250 mL of water, 1 to 3 times a day. Diarrhea / IBS (Off-Label): PO Can be used with less water to absorb excess liquid in the gut and firm up watery stools.

Best Uses

Psyllium is a natural bulk-forming fibre laxative for constipation and IBS, but must be taken with adequate water to avoid bowel obstruction and takes 2-3 days for effect.

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Bloating, flatulence, feeling of fullness. CRITICAL — Esophageal or intestinal obstruction/impaction (if swallowed dry or with inadequate fluid).

Key Interactions

Physically binds and traps other oral medications in the gut gel. Must separate Psyllium from ALL other drugs (especially Digoxin/Lithium) by at least 2 hours.

Monitoring

Confirm adequate fluid intake and ability to swallow the prepared dose. Avoid bulk-forming laxatives where fluid intake, swallowing, or mobility is unreliable.

Clinical Pearl

Never give Psyllium to a patient on Oxycodone. Opioids paralyze the bowel. Giving a paralyzed bowel a massive clump of fiber just creates a giant, immovable brick in the colon. You must use Senna + Movicol.

Access

Metamucil, MucilaxPowder (flavoured or smooth…

Brand: Metamucil, Mucilax
Formulation: Powder (flavoured or smooth texture). Capsules (require massive water intake).

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.

Bulk-forming Laxative·Gastrointestinal - Laxatives

Psyllium

Simple chronic constipation, improving stool consistency in IBS, hemorrhoids

BULK LAXATIVEMetamucil, MucilaxPowder (flavoured or smooth…UNSCHEDULEDTGA

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Max Dose

30 g/day

Caution: Onset

2-3 Days

Caution: Water Req.

MANDATORY

High risk: Opioids

INEFFECTIVE

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Fecal impaction, mechanical bowel obstruction, dysphagia, bedbound/immobile patients (high risk of impaction). Pregnancy Category A. Excellent safe option for pregnancy constipation.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Plant-derived soluble fiber (Metamucil). Absorbs water in the gut to create a bulky, soft stool, which stretches the colon wall and stimulates natural peristalsis.

Clinical Focus

Must be consumed with a massive glass of water. If taken without water, it forms a solid concrete plug and causes a catastrophic bowel obstruction.

Bottom Line

Psyllium is a natural bulk-forming fibre laxative for constipation and IBS, but must be taken with adequate water to avoid bowel obstruction and takes 2-3 days for effect.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Metamucil, Mucilax

Oral Routes

Powder (flavoured or smooth texture). Capsules (require massive water intake).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Simple chronic constipation, improving stool consistency in IBS, hemorrhoids.

Clinical Place

First-line baseline dietary supplement for healthy patients. Useless for opioid-induced or severe hospital constipation.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Bulk-forming Laxative — Plant-derived soluble fiber (Metamucil).

Route / Formulation

Powder (flavoured or smooth texture). Capsules (require massive water intake). (Metamucil, Mucilax)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 1-2 teaspoons (or sachets) mixed in 250 mL of water, 1 to 3 times a day. Max 30 g/day (e.g., 2 teaspoons TDS).

Key Indication Doses

Best Uses

Psyllium is a natural bulk-forming fibre laxative for constipation and IBS, but must be taken with adequate water to avoid bowel obstruction and takes 2-3 days for effect.

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Bloating, flatulence, feeling of fullness. CRITICAL — Esophageal or intestinal obstruction/impaction (if swallowed dry or with inadequate fluid).

Key Interactions

Physically binds and traps other oral medications in the gut gel. Must separate Psyllium from ALL other drugs (especially Digoxin/Lithium) by at least 2 hours.

Monitoring

Confirm adequate fluid intake and ability to swallow the prepared dose. Avoid bulk-forming laxatives where fluid intake, swallowing, or mobility is unreliable.

Clinical Pearl

Access

Metamucil, MucilaxPowder (flavoured or smooth…

Brand: Metamucil, Mucilax
Formulation: Powder (flavoured or smooth texture). Capsules (require massive water intake).

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.