Taking medicinal fiber, such as psyllium (Metamucil®) or methylcellulose (Citrucel®) with two ounces of water slows the movement in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The fiber absorbs excess fluid like a sponge. Hold liquids for one hour after taking medicinal fiber.
For Metamucil Fibre Capsules and Capsules Plus Calcium, we recommend taking them 3 times daily with at least 240 mL of liquid, as indicated. Bulk-forming fibres like psyllium husk, may affect how well medicines work. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines.
There is no “correct” dose of Metamucil to take. Everyone may need a different amount per day for desired effect. The trick is to start with a low dose, like 1 scoop per day (or 6 pills per day). Try this for 3 or 4 days in a row and see how things go.
A: Metamucil can be used to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity). Mix one dose of Metamucil powder with at least 8 ounces of water. It should produce a bowel movement between 12 to 72 hours.
Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
These things may help you feel better if you have diarrhea: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluids every day. Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement.
Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes.
Metamucil needs water to work, so not drinking enough water with your dose can lead to a blockage. Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If this happens, a healthcare provider should be contacted immediately.
This product must be taken with at least a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces/240 milliliters) so that it will not swell in the throat, causing choking. Get medical help right away if after taking this product you have symptoms of choking such as: chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing/breathing.
For the smooth powder, use 1 rounded tablespoon (about 18 grams) for digestive problems. If you're using the smooth powder as an appetite suppressant before meals, you can use 2 rounded tablespoons (about 36 grams).
Often these stools are soft and formed, not liquid. To help slow down stools, take Imodium or Lomotil at the time your doctor or nurse suggests. Taking medicinal fiber, such as psyllium (Metamucil®) or methylcellulose (Citrucel®) with two ounces of water slows the movement in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Fiber pill supplements or a powder mixture that contains psyllium (like Metamucil) can help some people with IBS control their diarrhea. “Some individuals may use a fiber preparation, which some people find useful to bind and increase the bulk of the stool for those who have diarrhea,” recommends Gilinsky.
In most cases, diarrhea can be treated at home with plenty of liquids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. The BRAT diet — bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast — can also help ease symptoms. Potatoes, peanut butter, and skinless chicken or turkey are also other good food choices.
Your health care provider may recommend higher doses of psyllium to treat certain conditions. You can take psyllium first thing in the morning or before bedtime.
Psyllium Husk Dosage
Starting psyllium husk supplements, one serving at a time is a good way to let your body adjust to the additional fiber. As you get used to the new supplement, you can increase the amount and take more psyllium husk with more water.
Metamucil powders can be mixed into more than just water or your favorite juice. You can also add it to your favorite smoothie or shake recipe.
Other gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, intestinal gas, cramps, mild diarrhea, rectal pain, constipation, and irritation.
The psyllium fiber in Metamucil powders promotes regularity* by drawing water into your intestines to help bulk and soften poop, making it easier to pass.
Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.
If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you're not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated. That can be a serious problem if it's not treated.
Diarrhea usually resolves in 1–2 days, but it can sometimes continue for weeks. Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of an allergy or a chronic condition, such as irritable bowel disease (IBD). It may also occur after an infection.