Ispaghula husk

About Ispagula Husk

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Bulk-forming laxatives.

Ispagula Husk is used to treat constipation.

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water or not going to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some pain killers, can also cause constipation.

Ispagula Husk increases the bulk of the stools, which encourages the bowels to move the stools through the digestive system.

This bulking action means that it can also be used to help treat diarrhoea and to help regulate the passage of food through the gut in people with certain chronic (long term) bowel disorders such as an ileostomy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis.

Ispagula Husk is available in dissolvable granule and powder form.

It is also sometimes known as: Fybogel; Isogel; Ispagel; Regulan. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Ispagula Husk

Before taking Ispagula Husk make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you find it difficult to swallow
• if you are so constipated that you may be suffering from a blockage
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Ispagula Husk

• Take Ispagula Husk exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Mix Ispaghula granules or powder with water and take it immediately.
• Never take Ispagula Husk just before bedtime.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose as usual.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Ispagula Husk contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is important to drink plenty of water while you are being treated with Ispaghula. You should aim to drink at least eight large glasses of water a day.
• To prevent constipation it is important to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) and to take daily exercise.
• Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body, causing dehydration.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Ispaghula.

Can Ispagula Husk cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Flatulence (excess wind) or tummy discomfort.

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

How to store Ispagula Husk

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely and out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 23/02/2005