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GENERIC NAME: POLYCARBOPHIL - ORAL (paw-lee-KARB-uh-fill)

BRAND NAME(S): Equalactin, Konsyl Fiber, Mitrolan, Polycarb

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Polycarbophil restores normal moisture levels to the intestine and helps produce well-formed stools. It is used to treat certain types of diarrhea or constipation.

HOW TO USE: Take each dose with a full glass of water and drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Chewable tablets are to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing followed by a full glass of water. Regular tablets can be swallowed with a full glass of water.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. Bloating, gas, and a feeling of fullness may occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following effects: stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, unrelieved constipation. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: illness, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication does not appear in breast milk. However, you should consult your doctor before using any medication while breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Because laxatives may interfere with the absorption of some medications, it is important to tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.





Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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polycarbophil-oral, Equalactin, Konsyl Fiber, Mitrolan, Polycarb

Constipation »

What is constipation?

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but ...

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