How does it work?

Methylcellulose is a type of medicine called a bulking agent. When taken by mouth, it is not absorbed into the bloodstream, but remains in the intestines where it absorbs water. This causes it to swell up and form a gel. This feature of methylcellulose gives it several uses. It's main use is in relieving constipation. When you are constipated, the faeces become abnormally dry and hard and are painful and difficult to expell. Methylcellulose absorbs water so it helps to soften the faeces, and as it swells up in the intestines it increases the volume of the intestinal contents. This stimulates the muscular movement of the gut, which helps to move the stools through the intestines. The full laxative effect may take a few days to develop. Since methylcellulose absorbs water in the gut, it can also be used to treat simple diarrhoea. It absorbs excess water, which decreases the frequency and increases the firmness of watery stools. This is of use in people with ulcerative colitis or diverticular disease. With it's ability to treat constipation and diarrhoea, methylcellulose is also used to control the consistency of faeces in people with a colostomy or ileostomy. Methylcellulose is also used to reduce appetite in obese people who are trying to lose weight. It is taken half an hour before each meal and when hunger pangs are severe. As it swells in the gut it gives a feeling of fullness that helps reduce food intake.

What is it used for?

Bowel movement disturbances caused by small sacs or pouches in the wall of the gut (diverticular disease)

Constipation

Controlling the consistency of faeces in people with a colostomy or ileostomy

Diarrhoea

Management of ulcerative colitis symptoms

Reducing appetite in the treatment of obesity

Warning!

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

When taking this medicine to treat diarrhoea, avoid drinking fluids for 30 minutes before and after each dose. This is also the case when taking this medicine for colostomy or ileostomy control.

When taking this medicine to treat constipation or reduce appetite, each dose should be taken with at least 300ml of liquid.

Not to be used in

Blockage of the bowel (bowel obstruction)

Infected disease of the bowel

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.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

No side effects have been reported with this medicine

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no known interactions with this medicine.

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