The typical Metamucil dosage for people ages 12 and older is 3.4 grams (1 serving), mixed with 8 ounces of a cool liquid, up to 3 times a day. The dosage for children ages 6 to 11 years old is 1.7 grams (½ serving), mixed with 8 ounces of a cool liquid, up to 3 times a day.
Metamucil doesn't start working immediately. After taking the medication, you'll usually have a bowel movement within about 12 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days). Some other laxatives work faster, such as magnesium citrate and bisacodyl (Dulcolax), but they have more risks and side effects than Metamucil.
HOW TO TAKE METAMUCIL: (For adults 12 years and older) Put 1-2 tablespoons in empty glass. Mix briskly with 8 oz or more of cool liquid. Drink promptly and enjoy!
Metamucil powders and capsules can both help maintain healthy blood sugar levels* when taken as directed. Check with your health care professional if you are currently using any medications to control your blood sugar levels.
Metamucil is made with psyllium husk, a plant-based fiber that helps promote digestive health and regularity. * It also acts as a non-stimulant laxative that relieves occasional constipation, generally helping you produce a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.
Metamucil (psyllium husk) is an over-the-counter supplement used most commonly for constipation. But it has other benefits and is a good source of fiber. Common Metamucil side effects include gas, bloating, and nausea. It can also cause diarrhea or constipation.
Although bowel movement frequency varies greatly for each person, if more than three days pass without a bowel movement, the contents in the intestines may harden, making it difficult or even painful to pass. Straining during bowel movements or the feeling of incomplete emptying also may be considered constipation.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
To avoid hurting your skin, don't use a nail file, nail clipper or scissors on calluses, corns or warts. Don't use chemical wart removers. See your provider or foot specialist (podiatrist) to remove any of these issues. Cut your toenails carefully.
Psyllium husk powder is an effective Metamucil alternative, and other options include methylcellulose (Citrucel), wheat dextrin (Benefiber), or ground flaxseed, as they work similarly by adding bulk to stool and promoting regularity, according to the most recent evidence from 1.
We recommend taking Metamucil between one and three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil. However, if you're taking it to help you feel less hungry between meals,* the best time to take Metamucil powder is before eating.
Medications known to interact with Metamucil
A. Metamucil fiber gummies are made with a plant-based fiber blend of Fibersol® (soluble corn fiber) and inulin that help promote digestive health*. They do not contain psyllium husk and therefore do not have the same multi-health benefits as Metamucil powders & capsules.
Laxatives: You can drink a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution or use an over-the counter (OTC) laxative to cleanse your colon. Surgery: If you have severe fecal impaction, your healthcare provider will perform surgery, especially to target symptoms of bleeding due to a tear in your bowel (bowel perforation).
The typical adult Metamucil dosage for constipation is 3.4 grams (1 packet or 1 tablespoon), mixed with 8 ounces of liquid, up to 3 times a day. It's best to start with one dose per day and then increase as needed.
Take over-the-counter medicines
According to its proponents, you use the pinch method by holding the thumb and index finger of one hand just above the wrist of the other hand and then exerting a little bit of pressure on the wrist. Doing this will supposedly cause the release of insulin and break down glucose.
Wear socks to bed.
Socks can help regulate your body temperature throughout the night. Wearing moisture-wicking socks to bed will also help keep your feet dry, especially if you're prone to sweating while sleeping.
Diabetes can make your feet red, numb, swollen, or develop sores that don't heal. The damage can become so bad that surgeons must amputate your lower leg to save your life. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of lower-limb amputations.
The effects of Metamucil capsules and powder are similar because they have the same active ingredient, psyllium, and a comparable amount of fiber per serving. Powder forms have a slightly higher amount of dietary fiber in each serving.
Do not take Metamucil for more than seven days in a row without a doctor's advice. Laxatives can be habit-forming if they are taken too much or for too long. If you find Metamucil is not working for you, call your doctor for advice. Also, call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Serious side effects of Metamucil
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Make an appointment with your health care professional if you have constipation with any of the following conditions: Symptoms that last longer than three weeks. Symptoms that make it difficult to do everyday activities. Bleeding from your rectum or blood on toilet tissue.
Next time you're reaching for the laxatives spare a thought for those with extreme constipation which can cause serious medical damage. In 2013, a 28-year-old woman from Chembur, India, had to have surgery to remove a “football-sized faecal mass” after 45 days without a bowel movement.
Do this: Cut down on fast food, chips, hot dogs, and some microwave dinners.