Sometimes it's really hard to go to the toilet, isn't it? Constipation, a condition that many of us experience from time to time, is a common occurrence. Today, we're going to talk about a chewable pill that doctors recommend to help with this. It's called Polycarbophil.
What is this medicine called Polycarbophil?
Simply put, Polycarbophil is a medicine used to treat occasional constipation. It belongs to the class of laxatives, which means ' laxatives '.
This medicine increases the mass, or bulk, of your stool. Imagine, when the amount of stool in our intestines increases, a slight pressure is exerted on the walls of the intestine. Because of that pressure, the muscles in the intestine are stimulated and the stool starts to push out. Also, since this medicine softens the stool, it is possible to defecate easily without pain.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have blocked intestines or a related problem.
- If there is a change in your bowel habits for more than two weeks (14 days).
- If your blood calcium levels are elevated.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have a rare genetic condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU).
- If you have symptoms such as persistent stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- If you have trouble swallowing something.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this polycarbophil medicine, soy, another medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to know the correct way to use this medicine.
This pill should be chewed well and completely crushed before swallowing. When swallowing, drink a glass of water with it. Do not swallow it whole without chewing it. Doing so may cause a blockage in the throat. Use the prescribed dosage as directed by your doctor.
If you are giving this medicine to children, talk to your doctor about it. Although it is sometimes recommended for children over 6 years of age, there are some special considerations to be made.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Polycarbophil can interact with some other medications. Therefore, if you are taking any of the following medications, tell your doctor.
- Digoxin
- Estramustine
- Ethotoin
- Phenytoin
- Some antibiotics - for example, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, tetracycline
- Strontium-89 chloride
- Thyroid hormone medication
This list may not be all-inclusive. Therefore, be sure to give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products) . Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- It can take about 3 days for this medicine to show results. So don't worry if you don't see results right away.
- However, if your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, see your doctor.
- If you need to use this medicine for constipation for more than a week , tell your doctor about it as well.
- Very important: Do not take any other medicine within two hours before or after taking this medicine, as it may interfere with the absorption of other medicines.
- Drink several glasses of water a day while taking this medicine. This will help reduce constipation and prevent dehydration.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue or throat). |
| Choking | Chest pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, vomiting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Bloating, gas, stomach cramps. |
| Other difficulties | Diarrhea, nausea. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you need more information, ask your doctor.
How should you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius) and away from moisture. Discard expired medicine.
If you are unsure how to dispose of expired or unwanted medications, ask your doctor for advice. Some medications have instructions on how to dispose of them on the packaging. If they are labeled as suitable for disposal in the trash, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and put them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash. Never flush medications down the toilet without your doctor's advice.
Take-Home Message
- When taking this pill, chew it well and drink it with a glass of water. Do not swallow the tablet whole.
- Avoid taking other medications within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to reduce constipation and prevent dehydration.
- If constipation persists for more than a week or if symptoms worsen, be sure to see a doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What disease are Polycarbophil / FiberCon tablets prescribed for?
This is the 'safest' bulk-forming laxative in the world! It is not a laxative like other harsh laxatives. It is used not only for severe 'constipation', but also for some people with diarrhea/IBS-D, by absorbing unnecessary water from the stool and thickening/softening the stool, helping it pass naturally and easily.
💬 How does this pill (Polycarbophil) relieve constipation without being absorbed into the body?
After you drink these capsules, when the chemical/fiber (Resin) in this goes to the intestines, it absorbs about 60 times its weight in water, like a piece of bread crushed and put in water, and becomes very large (swollen) and combines with the stool mass (bulk forming). When the stool mass becomes large and loose like jelly, the intestines can easily push it forward and expel it without any problems.
💬 Why is it important to drink plenty of water when taking this medicine? What are the risks?
The biggest side effect and danger is that if you don't take this with 1-2 glasses of water/liquid (a full glass) it can get stuck in your throat or intestines and cause suffocation/intestinal obstruction (Esophageal or Bowel obstruction). Also, because this pill creates a coating in the intestines, if you are taking other medications (e.g. tetracycline antibiotics) they will not be absorbed. So take this 2 hours after taking other medications!
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