Constipation is a condition that many people experience from time to time and is a bit uncomfortable. We all know the feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the stomach when we can't go to the toilet properly for days, right? So today we are talking about a 'bulk-forming' type of medicine that doctors recommend as a solution to this. The name of this medicine is methylcellulose.
What is methylcellulose?
Simply put, this is a medicine that increases the bulk, or size, of your stools and softens them. This medicine does exactly what happens when we eat a lot of fiber-rich foods like greens and vegetables. When the stools are bulkier, our intestines get a signal saying, "Okay, now we need to get this out of our bodies." And because the stools are softer, you can go to the bathroom easily without straining.
This is also a type of medicine used for constipation. We commonly call it a laxative. But this one doesn't force the bowels to expel stool like some other laxatives. This one works in a more natural way.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication for you, it is very important to give you a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Your situation | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Blockage of the intestines or suspicion of it. | Taking this medicine when you have a bowel obstruction can make the condition worse. |
| If bowel habits have changed for more than two weeks. | This could be a symptom of another disease, so the cause needs to be investigated. |
| Stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting. | These could also be symptoms of a bowel obstruction or other problem. |
| If you have trouble swallowing something. | It is important to be aware of this condition, as it can cause a sore throat if this medicine is not taken with enough water. |
| A condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU). | Some methylcellulose products may contain the sweetener aspartame, which is harmful to people with PKU. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. | It is essential to seek medical advice in these cases before taking any medication. |
| If you have allergies to methylcellulose or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is important to prevent an allergic reaction. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This comes in a powder form. When using this , you should definitely fill a large glass of water or milk (about 240 ml), add this powder to it, stir well, and drink it immediately . This must be done exactly. If you take this without enough liquid, the medicine can get stuck in your throat or chest, which can be a big problem.
The most important thing is to use it exactly as your doctor tells you or according to the instructions on the package. Take it at the right time, in the right amount. Don't drink too much.
Should I give this to small children?
Doctors sometimes recommend this for children over 6 years of age. But it should be done only on medical advice . You need to be very careful when giving it to young children, so you should give it exactly as the doctor says, in the amount he says.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
Imagine you have taken too much of this. If that happens, don't panic. The immediate thing to do is to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Otherwise, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
- Be patient: You won't see results immediately after taking this medicine. It may take one to three days for constipation to subside.
- Drink plenty of water: This is very important. Water is needed for this medicine to work. It also helps prevent dehydration. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- See a doctor if there are no results: If your constipation does not improve after using this medicine for about a week, or if the condition worsens, be sure to see your doctor again for advice .
- Problems with other medications: If you are taking other medications, take methylcellulose 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other medications. This can interfere with the absorption of other medications. Tell your doctor about all medications and vitamins you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have minor side effects. But there's nothing to worry about. Let's find out what they are.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Choking | Chest pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, vomiting (this often happens from taking the medicine without enough water). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Bloating | Gas in the intestines |
| Nausea | Mild stomach pain |
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius) in a moisture-free place.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Remember, this article is for general information only. Only your doctor can give you the best advice for your condition. So, if you have any questions, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Always dissolve methylcellulose powder in a well-filled glass of water or milk and drink immediately.
- This can take 1 to 3 days to get results, so be patient.
- It is very important to drink plenty of water throughout the day while taking the medication.
- If constipation persists for more than a week or gets worse, see your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all medical conditions you have and other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or a severe allergic reaction.
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