Metamucil: ¿Para qué sirve? – Ficha técnica y dosis recomendada

Metamucil 3,26 g polvo para suspensión oral

¡Say goodbye to constipation with Metamucil!

If you’re struggling with constipation, Metamucil is here to help. This oral suspension powder is specially formulated to treat chronic constipation and provide relief from painful bowel movements. With its key ingredient, Ispaghula husk, derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata, Metamucil works to soften your stool and promote healthy bowel movements.

What is Metamucil?

Metamucil is a powdered oral suspension that comes in single-use sachets. Each sachet contains 5.8 g of powder, of which 3.26 g is Ispaghula husk. Ispaghula husk is a natural dietary fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. It is known for its ability to absorb water and add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines.

How does Metamucil work?

The main ingredient in Metamucil, Ispaghula husk, works by absorbing water in the intestines, which adds bulk to the stool. This increased bulk stimulates the intestines, promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, Ispaghula husk acts as a gentle laxative, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. It also helps to regulate bowel movements, making it an effective treatment for chronic constipation.

Benefits of Using Metamucil

Metamucil offers several benefits for those struggling with constipation. Some of the key benefits include:

• Relief from chronic constipation
• Facilitates easier and pain-free bowel movements
• Helps soften the stool
• Provides relief from post-operative anal or rectal surgery discomfort
• Can be used for the treatment of anal fissures and hemorrhoids

How to Use Metamucil

Metamucil is easy to use. Simply empty the contents of one sachet into a glass, add 200 ml of cold water or any other beverage of your choice, and mix well. Drink the mixture immediately, followed by another glass of liquid. It’s important to maintain adequate fluid intake while using Metamucil to ensure optimal results.

Dosage:

• Adolescents (12 years and older), adults, and the elderly: 1 sachet, 1 to 3 times a day
• Children (6 to 12 years old): 1 sachet, 1 to 2 times a day

Contraindications

Metamucil should not be used in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to Ispaghula husk or any of the excipients
• Sudden change in bowel habits lasting for more than 2 weeks
• Undiagnosed rectal bleeding
• Inability to defecate after using a laxative
• Anomalies in gastrointestinal contractions
• Esophageal or heart diseases
• Possibility or confirmation of intestinal obstruction or fecal impaction
• Intestinal paralysis or megacolon
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Difficulty swallowing or throat problems
• Ulcerative colitis
• Children under 6 years of age, unless prescribed by a doctor

Warnings and Precautions

Before using Metamucil, it’s important to consider the following warnings and precautions:

• Avoid using Metamucil if you are experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting without medical prescription, as these symptoms may indicate appendicitis or intestinal obstruction
• If you experience abdominal pain or irregular stool movements while using Metamucil, discontinue the treatment and seek medical evaluation
• Ensure you consume an adequate daily amount of fluids during the treatment
• Treatment in debilitated patients should be medically supervised
• Treatment in elderly patients should be monitored
• Avoid taking Metamucil right before bedtime, as it can affect bowel movements and cause subobstruction
• If constipation persists for more than 3 days, seek medical evaluation
• Be aware of possible hypersensitivity reactions in individuals with continuous occupational exposure to Plantago ovata seed powders. Clinical evaluation for sensitization and specific diagnostic tests should be considered if necessary
• Discontinue immediate exposure to the product in case of hypersensitivity reactions resulting from sensitization

Interactions with Other Medications

Metamucil may interact with the following medications:

• Minerals and vitamins (such as B12) may have delayed enteral absorption when taken concomitantly with Metamucil. It is recommended to take Metamucil at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after taking other medications
• Individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes should take Metamucil with meals to avoid possible reductions in glycemic control. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely and adjust insulin doses accordingly

Additional Content

In addition to its main therapeutic indications, Metamucil can also be used for various other conditions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the additional uses for Metamucil:

1. Post-operative Recovery:

Metamucil can be a helpful aid in post-operative recovery following anal or rectal surgeries. These procedures can sometimes cause discomfort and pain during bowel movements. By taking Metamucil, you can help soften the stool and make the passage easier, reducing the pain and speeding up recovery.

2. Anal Fissures:

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by hard stools and straining during bowel movements. Metamucil can help prevent and alleviate anal fissures by softening the stool, reducing the need for straining, and promoting regular bowel movements without pain.

3. Hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area, often accompanied by pain, itching, and discomfort. Metamucil can provide relief for hemorrhoid sufferers by softening the stool and reducing strain during bowel movements. This can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

4. Digestive Health:

In addition to its primary use for constipation, Metamucil can also promote overall digestive health. By adding dietary fiber to your diet, Metamucil helps improve bowel regularity, reduce the risk of developing diverticulosis, and support a healthy gut microbiome.

With its numerous benefits and additional uses, Metamucil is a versatile and effective solution for various gastrointestinal issues. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or treatment.

Preguntas frecuentes

1. ¿Puedo usar Metamucil todos los días?

Sí, Metamucil puede ser utilizado diariamente siguiendo las instrucciones de dosificación recomendadas. Es importante mantener una ingesta adecuada de líquidos mientras se utiliza Metamucil.

2. ¿Cuánto tiempo se tarda en ver resultados con Metamucil?

Los efectos de Metamucil pueden variar según el individuo. Sin embargo, muchos usuarios reportan mejorías en los síntomas de estreñimiento en un plazo de 1 a 3 días de comenzar a utilizar Metamucil correctamente.

3. ¿Puedo usar Metamucil durante el embarazo o la lactancia?

Siempre es recomendable consultar con tu médico antes de utilizar cualquier medicamento durante el embarazo o la lactancia. Tu médico podrá evaluar tu situación específica y ofrecerte la mejor orientación y recomendaciones adecuadas.

4. ¿Metamucil tiene algún sabor o aroma?

Sí, Metamucil tiene un sabor y aroma a naranja. Esto ayuda a hacerlo más agradable de tomar y facilita la administración del medicamento.

Conclusión:

Metamucil es un medicamento eficaz y seguro para el tratamiento del estreñimiento habitual y para facilitar la defecación en casos de dolor o incomodidad anales o rectales. Con su principal ingrediente, Ispaghula husk, Metamucil suaviza las heces y promueve movimientos intestinales saludables. Además de su uso principal, Metamucil también puede ser beneficioso en la recuperación postoperatoria, el tratamiento de fisuras anales y hemorroides, y para promover la salud digestiva en general. Recuerda siempre seguir las instrucciones de dosificación y consultar a tu médico si tienes alguna pregunta o inquietud.

Fuente de la información: Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios cima.aemps.es