Ispaghula husk

About ispaghula husk

Type of medicine

Bulk-forming laxative

Used for

Constipation

Also called

Fibrelief® and Fibrelief® Orange
Fybogel® and Fybogel® Orange
Isogel®
Ispagel®
Regulan®
Fybogel® Mebeverine (ispaghula husk with mebeverine)

Available as

Effervescent granules or powder in sachets

Constipation is a common problem. It means either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty your bowels, or passing hard or painful stools. Constipation may be caused by not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluids. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation. Sometimes, however, the cause of the constipation is not clear.

Often, increasing the amount of fibre in your diet (such as by eating more fruit, vegetables, cereals, and wholemeal bread) and drinking plenty of water each day can effectively prevent or relieve constipation. You will have been given ispaghula husk for constipation if you cannot increase the fibre in your diet or if this is insufficient. Ispaghula husk works by increasing the bulk of your stools, which encourages your bowels to move the stools through your digestive system, which in turn relieves constipation.

This bulking action means that it can also be used to help treat diarrhoea and to help regulate the passage of food through the digestive system in people with certain long-term bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis and after some bowel surgery.

Ispaghula husk may sometimes be used in a combination preparation with mebeverine. Mebeverine is an antispasmodic which is used to relieve spasms in the bowel.

Before taking ispaghula husk

Before taking ispaghula husk make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you find it difficult to swallow.
If you are so constipated that you think you may have a blockage.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding. (Ispaghula husk may be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding, but it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows about this.)
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take ispaghula husk

Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the specific brand of ispaghula husk you have been given, and any possible side-effects from taking it.
Take ispaghula husk exactly as you have been told to. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much to take and when to take it. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack.
Stir your dose of ispaghula husk granules or powder into a glass of water and then drink it as soon as possible.
It is best if you take each dose of ispaghula husk just after a meal. Do not take ispaghula husk at bedtime.
Ispaghula should not be taken by children unless it is on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional experienced in the management of constipation in children. Check the label carefully to make sure you are giving the correct dose for the age of your child.
If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

Sometimes it may take a few days before you feel the full benefit from a bulk-forming laxative such as ispaghula husk. However, if after several days you do not feel your symptoms are improving, or if they get worse, speak with your doctor.
It is important to drink plenty while you are taking ispaghula husk. You should aim to drink at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do, but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.
Try to eat a balanced diet containing high-fibre foods such as wholemeal and whole-grain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. If you are not used to a high-fibre diet, it may be best to increase the amount of fibre you eat gradually.
Keeping your body active will help you to keep your digestive system moving, so try to take some regular daily exercise.
Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect. This means they cause a loss of fluid from your body, which causes dehydration and makes your stools hard and dry. It is best to reduce the number of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks that you have, or avoid them altogether.
You may wish to include some foods that contain sorbitol in your diet. Sorbitol is a naturally occurring sugar. It is not digested very well and draws water into your bowel which has an effect of softening stools. Fruits (and their juices) that have a high sorbitol content include: apples, apricots, gooseberries, grapes (and raisins), peaches, pears, plums, prunes, raspberries and strawberries.

Can ispaghula husk cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible ispaghula husk side-effects	What can I do if I experience this?
Flatulence (excess wind), bloating, abdominal discomfort	As you become used to the extra fibre, these effects will settle down

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ispaghula husk

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Fybogel® Orange, Forum Health Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2006..
Manufacturer's PIL, Regulan®, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2009.
British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)

The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:

Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 3 Jan 2012

Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 3832 Version: 23

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