Benefits & Side Effects of Taking Metamucil

One in seven adults experiences constipation, and the incidence of constipation increases with age, as 40-60% of older adults in the United States are affected by this condition. Left untreated, it can cause complications such as hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse (bulging of rectal tissues) due to straining. Metamucil is a brand name product for a bulk-forming fiber laxative called psyllium husk, which can effectively treat constipation. Please continue reading to learn about the benefits and side effects of Metamucil.

How does Metamucil treat constipation?

Metamucil (psyllium) is a bulk-forming laxative. The active ingredient of Metamucil is psyllium husk, a soluble fiber derived from a type of plant called Plantago ovata. Psyllium fiber forms a viscous gel in the stomach that not only absorbs and retains water but also grabs some of the carbohydrates and sugars the body ingests.

Once psyllium fiber passes into the small intestines, some of the sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream. This unique property of Metamucil helps the body to maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Psyllium husk works to relieve constipation by acting as a soluble fiber, helping stools to absorb and retain water; as a result, this medication helps to make the stools softer and easier to pass.

Keep in mind that it takes 12 to 72 hours to see the effects of Metamucil. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need a laxative that provides immediate relief.

Besides its role as a laxative, Metamucil also helps to lower cholesterol. In the small intestines, Metamucil’s gel form also traps some bile acids, which are then removed from the body instead of being reabsorbed.

What are the positive effects of Metamucil?

The positive effects of Metamucil include helping the bowels work well and preventing constipation. In other words, taking Metamucil can help you maintain regular bowel habits. As mentioned, Metamucil also has additional benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and maintaining steady blood sugar levels.

Does Metamucil lower cholesterol?

Yes, in addition to promoting digestive health, it is believed that Metamucil, when being used with a low-fat diet, can be a natural alternative to cholesterol-lowering medications in people with mild to moderately high cholesterol levels.

Research has shown that fiber-rich foods can lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and thereby reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. The recommended daily intake of fiber for most adults is 28 grams per day from diets, not supplements, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but studies have found that less than 5% of people get enough fiber from dietary sources.

Psyllium fiber belongs to a group of medications called fiber supplements. There are different Metamucil formulations. One serving of psyllium capsules has at least 1.8 grams of soluble fiber, one serving of Metamucil powder has 2.4 grams of soluble fiber and Metamucil capsules plus calcium delivers 2.1 grams of soluble fiber per serving.

Therefore, taking psyllium (Metamucil) can help to supplement your daily fiber intake and lower your cholesterol levels. In addition, fiber can help you feel full, which can help control overeating. In addition, research has shown that psyllium can help in trapping bile acids in the small intestines, thereby increasing bile acid loss in stool and lowering blood cholesterol as a result. Therefore, taking psyllium (Metamucil) not only helps to supplement your daily fiber intake but also lowers your cholesterol levels.

Notably, a meta-analysis of 21 clinical trials revealed that the cholesterol-lowering property of Metamucil is dose-dependent. Specifically, better results regarding the reduction of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) were observed in participants who received 20.1 grams of psyllium per day compared to those who received 3 grams per day.

A fiber supplement such as Metamucil is not a substitute for a proper diet that is low-fat and fiber-rich. Check with your healthcare provider before taking Metamucil to lower cholesterol. Do not stop taking prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications without your doctor’s approval.

How to take Metamucil?

Metamucil is available in the following dosage forms: oral capsules, wafers, gummies, and powder. All of these contain psyllium as the active ingredient.

How much Metamucil to take depends on the form being used. However, the typical adult dosage to treat constipation is 3.4 grams (1 packet), mixed with 8 ounces of liquid, taken by mouth up to 3 times daily.

Start by taking psyllium products once daily and gradually increase up to 3 times a day if needed. Mix the powder form with at least 8 ounces of a cool liquid such as water, fruit juice, or other liquid. Stir it briskly to a smooth texture and consume immediately. If the mixture thickens, add more liquid.

Chew the wafers completely. Swallow the capsules with a full glass of water.

The usual recommended dose of Metamucil in people 12 years of age and older is 3.4 grams (1 serving) with 8 ounces of water.

The typical doses in children 6-11 years of age are 1.7 grams (½ a serving) in 8 ounces of water up to 3 times a day.

Check with a healthcare provider before giving Metamucil to a child younger than 6 years old.

Take Metamucil at least 2 hours away from other drugs. Laxatives can affect how well other drugs work.

Metamucil is usually taken as needed to relieve constipation. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, take the laxative according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra Metamucil or a double dose to make up for a missed dose. In case of an overdose, contact your local poison control center, the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest emergency room.

When is the best time to take Metamucil?

The best time to take Metamucil is at bedtime. Most people have a bowel movement 12 to 72 hours after they take this medication.

Should you take fiber supplements like Metamucil every day?

Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil should be used to regularize bowel movements and treat occasional constipation. While bulk laxatives like Metamucil are generally safe to take every day, it is always better to get your daily dose of fiber from fiber-rich foods rather than a supplement. This is because, unlike food, fiber in supplement form does not contain other nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

What are Metamucil side effects?

Just as with any medication, unwanted side effects can happen with Metamucil.

Psyllium supplements can cause bloating and gas, especially when you first start taking them. More serious symptoms include difficulty breathing or swallowing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a severe allergic reaction with skin rash, hives, itching, or swelling.

Who should not take Metamucil?

Metamucil may not be right for everyone. Check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider before taking over-the-counter Metamucil if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer, constipation that lasts more than 7 days, or undiagnosed bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract or rectal bleeding. Also, before you take this medication, tell your healthcare professional if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, difficulty swallowing, or a blocked intestine.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding (nursing an infant with breast milk), check with your healthcare provider before starting Metamucil.

Do not take OTC Metamucil for more than one week to relieve constipation. Contact your doctor if you continue to have constipation even after being on Metamucil.

What are the drug interactions I should be aware of while taking Metamucil?

Drug interactions between your fiber supplement (Metamucil) and your other medications can cause serious side effects or affect how well the medications work.

If you are taking any oral medications, Metamucil may make them less effective. Therefore, you should take other medications 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Metamucil.

Give your healthcare provider a complete list of your other medications, including prescription and nonprescription drugs as well as dietary supplements and herbal medications. This will help avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.

What are the risks I should be aware of while taking Metamucil?

Taking Metamucil without adequate fluid (at least 8 ounces of fluid) can cause it to swell and block your esophagus or throat and cause choking. Do not take Metamucil if you have a history of difficulty swallowing. Stop Metamucil and seek medical attention immediately if you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing symptoms.

How to maintain regular bowel habits without medication?

The best ways to have regular bowel movements and naturally prevent constipation are:

Stay well hydrated.
Include at least 25 grams of fiber in your diet every day.
Get regular exercise.
Go to the bathroom on a daily schedule. The bowel emptying reflex works best after a meal. Also, the longer stool sits in your intestines, the drier it becomes and the harder it is to pass.

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