sterculia

Sterculia, also known as karaya gum, is a natural dietary fiber extracted from Sterculia urens tree, native to India, and purified for use as a laxative. Sterculia is used to relieve occasional constipation and to maintain regularity of bowel movements. Sterculia is also used as a thickener and emulsifier in foods, denture adhesives, and seals for surgical openings (stomas) created in the intestines to treat certain bowel conditions.

Sterculia is a bulk-forming laxative containing fiber that absorbs water and adds bulk and water to the stools, softening and enabling easy passage of stools through the intestines. The increased bulk can also stimulate peristalsis, the series of gastrointestinal (GI) muscle contractions that move the GI contents. Sterculia is available as granules, over the counter (OTC) in the U.S.

• Do not take sterculia in the following conditions:
  • Hypersensitivity to sterculia or any of the components in the formulation
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction
  • GI ulceration or adhesions
  • Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
  • Fecal impaction
  • Symptoms of appendicitis or other conditions that require immediate surgical intervention (acute surgical abdomen)
  • Rectal bleeding
• Taking sterculia concurrently with other drugs can reduce the absorption of the other drugs. Allow at least a 2-hour gap between sterculia and other drugs.
• Do not administer to children below 12 years unless directed and supervised by a pediatrician.

Common side effects of sterculia include:

• Gas (flatulence)
• Abdominal cramping
• Constipation
• Fecal impaction

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Granules

• 62% sterculia gum

Constipation

Adult and Pediatric:

Adults and children above 12 years old

• 1-2 sachets orally once or twice daily
• Place granules on tongue and swallow with 250 mL of water

Children below 12 years old

• Safety and efficacy not established

Overdose

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of laxative overdose.
• Overdose of sterculia, especially without sufficient intake of fluids, can result in constipation, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction. Treatment may include other types of laxatives and enema, if required.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Sterculia has no listed severe or serious interactions with other drugs.

Moderate interactions of sterculia include:

• deflazacort

Mild interactions of sterculia include:

• sodium picosulfate

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Use of bulk-forming laxatives to relieve occasional constipation during pregnancy is generally considered safe, however, there aren’t well-controlled studies of sterculia use in pregnant women. Use with caution.
• Sterculia isn’t systemically absorbed and is unlikely to pass into breastmilk or pose a risk to the breastfed infant. Use sterculia with caution if you are a nursing mother.
• Never use any OTC product without first checking with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Take sterculia exactly as prescribed or as per label instructions.
• Take sterculia with adequate quantities of water, as recommended.
• Do not take sterculia if you have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or fever.
• Do not use sterculia for self-treating constipation that lasts longer than 4 days, seek medical help.
• If you experience any allergic reactions, stop taking sterculia and consult your physician.
• Store sterculia safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.