DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Psyllium Wafers (SILL-i-um)
Brand Name: Metamucil

Metamucil Wafers is used for:

Treating occasional constipation and restoring regularity. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Metamucil Wafers is a fiber laxative. It works by absorbing water and swelling in the intestines. This helps the stool form the bulk necessary to be easily passed.

Do NOT use Metamucil Wafers if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Metamucil Wafers
• you have appendicitis, difficulty swallowing, severe constipation, intestinal blockage, or undiagnosed rectal bleeding

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Metamucil Wafers:

Some medical conditions may interact with Metamucil Wafers. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a sudden change in bowel habits persisting for more than 2 weeks
• if you have stomach or intestinal pain, nausea, or vomiting

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Metamucil Wafers. However, no specific interactions with Metamucil Wafers are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Metamucil Wafers may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Metamucil Wafers:

Use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Metamucil Wafers may be taken with or without food.
• Chew thoroughly before swallowing.
• Take Metamucil Wafers with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
• Do not take other oral medicines within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Metamucil Wafers.
• If you miss a dose of Metamucil Wafers, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Metamucil Wafers.

Important safety information:

• If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Do not take additional laxatives or stool softeners with Metamucil Wafers unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not use this medicine if you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding, except under the direction of your doctor.
• If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more, do not continue using Metamucil Wafers. Instead, check with your doctor.
• Taking this product without enough liquid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not use Metamucil Wafers in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age without first checking with your doctor.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Metamucil Wafers, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Metamucil Wafers during pregnancy. It is unknown if Metamucil Wafers is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Metamucil Wafers, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Metamucil Wafers:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abdominal fullness; minor bloating.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; difficulty swallowing; trouble breathing; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Metamucil Wafers:

Store Metamucil Wafers at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Metamucil Wafers out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Metamucil Wafers, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Metamucil Wafers is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Metamucil Wafers. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.