How does it work?

Ispaghula husk is a bulk-forming laxative. It is used to treat constipation. This medicine swells when in contact with fluid and works by increasing the volume of the gut contents. This causes the muscle in the gut to push the contents of the gut along more quickly. Ispaghula husk is a type of fibre. It should only be used if the dietary intake of fibre cannot be increased. Ispaghula husk should be taken with plenty of fluid. The full effect may take some days to be seen. Ispaghula husk is also useful for patients with colostomy, ileostomy, haemorrhoids, anal fissure (a break in the skin lining the anal canal), chronic diarrhoea associated diverticular disease, irritable bowel disease and as an adjunct in ulcerative colitis. Ispaghula is particularly useful in those who cannot tolerate bran. Ispaghula husk can also be used in treating moderately raised cholesterol levels. It is not known exactly how ispaghula reduces blood levels of cholesterol, but it is thought that it reduces the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from the gut into the blood. It may do this by lowering the level of bile acids that are necessary for the absorption of cholesterol.

What is it used for?

Constipation

High blood cholesterol levels

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Operation to pull part of the gut through the abdominal wall for drainage (colostomy)

Piles

Warning!

Maintain an adequate fluid intake whilst taking this medicine.

This medicine should not be taken shortly before going to bed.

Preparations that swell in contact with liquid should always be carefully swallowed with water.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Maintain adequate fluid intake

Not to be used in

An inherited disorder of protein metabolism (phenylketonuria)

Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)

Compressed and hardened faeces causing a blockage of the bowel (faecal impaction)

Difficulty in swallowing

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

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