Ispaghula Husk helps to relieve constipation and maintain regularity of bowel movement.
Ispaghula Husk belongs to a group of medicines called bulk-forming laxatives. Being a fibre supplement, Ispaghula Husk works by absorbing water and increasing stool volume, making it softer and easier to pass out.
Ispaghula Husk is also used as an adjunct to a fat-lowering diet for mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol levels in the blood).
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.
If you have been given capsules, swallow the capsule whole with at least a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid such as fruit juice. Do not chew the capsule.
If you have are taking granules, swallow the granules with a full glass of water. If you have been given flakes or powder, mix it with at least a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid such as fruit juice and drink immediately.
Always take Ispaghula Husk with adequate fluid. Inadequate fluid intake may cause Ispaghula Husk to swell and block your throat or oesophagus (food pipe), which may cause choking. Insufficient fluid intake can also cause faecal impaction.
It is preferable to take Ispaghula Husk after meals. Do not take Ispaghula Husk immediately before going to bed.
You may need to take Ispaghula Husk for up to 3 days to achieve full effect.
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.
Alert the doctor if you have:
- difficulty in swallowing
- faecal impaction (severe constipation)
- intestinal obstruction (blocked bowel)
- colonic atony (muscle weakness of the bowel wall)
- throat problems
as Ispaghula Husk may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you:
- are experiencing abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
- have diabetes mellitus (a type of diabetes)
- have phenylketonuria (an inherited genetic disorder), as some preparations of Ispaghula Husk contain aspartame.
Supervise use of Ispaghula Husk in the elderly and in those with narrow bowels or decreased bowel motility.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inhaled Ispaghula Husk particles may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to Ispaghula Husk or those who have breathing disorders. Symptoms include runny nose, itchy and watery eyes or difficulty in breathing. Thus, avoid inhalation of Ispaghula Husk while mixing it with water or other liquid.
If you have a sudden change in bowel habits persisting for longer than 2 weeks or if use of Ispaghula Husk for 1 week has no effect, notify your doctor.
Stop Ispaghula Husk and alert your doctor if you develop/experience the following:
- signs of choking e.g. chest pain, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and difficulty in breathing
- signs of allergic reaction e.g. rash, runny or blocked nose, itchy skin or swelling
Ispaghula Husk may cause bloating or flatulence.
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:
- lithium (medicine to treat depression)
- vitamins e.g. vitamin B12
- minerals e.g. calcium, iron or zinc
- insulin (medicine to treat diabetes)
This list does not include all medicines that interact with Ispaghula Husk.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, 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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