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Polycarbophil

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Description

Polycarbophil is a laxative used for the treatment of constipation. It prevents dry and hard stools.
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Side effectsConcernsUsage

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Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Polycarbophil

Diarrhea

Abdominal discomfort

Skin rash

Chest pain

Trouble breathing

Dizziness

Difficulty in swallowing

Nausea and vomiting

Uses of Polycarbophil

What is it prescribed for?

Constipation

This medicine is used to treat constipation by increasing the water content in the stool.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    The effect of this medicine can be observed within 12 to 72 hours of administration of the dose.

  • Duration of effect

    The amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.

  • Safe with alcohol?

    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

  • Is it habit forming?

    No habit-forming tendencies were reported.

  • Usage in pregnancy?

    This medicine is recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to polycarbophil or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.

Appendicitis

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having appendicitis which is characterized by symptoms such as pain in the right lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc. due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.

Gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from a gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.

Rectal bleeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with rectal bleeding due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

General warnings

Fluid intake

It is advised to take this medicine with a full glass of water or any liquid to avoid the risk of choking.

Use in children

This medicine is not recommended for use without medical advice in children less than 6 years of age.

Prolonged use

This medicine should not be used for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor.

Other medicines

Polycarbophil may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.

Missed Dose

This medicine is generally used as needed. If you are on a scheduled dosing regimen of this medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Interaction with Medicine

Lactulose

Disease interactions

Disease

Information not available.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Take this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed/advised. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe adverse effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Miscelleneous

To be taken with food

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works

This medicine increases the amount of water in the stool and makes the stools easier to pass from the body.

Legal Status

Approved

Unknown

Approved

Unknown

Classification

Category

Laxatives

Schedule

OTC

[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 19 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09311

[Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 19 December 2018]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=80e507f2-d9bd-bc7b-2249-f5bfc8ac1845
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Information on this page was last updated on 26 Apr 2019

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.