Methylcellulose

Generic name: Methylcellulose
Drug class: Laxatives

Usage of Methylcellulose

Methylcellulose is a bulk-forming laxative that increases the amount of water in your stools to help make them softer and easier to pass.

Methylcellulose is used to treat constipation and to help maintain regular bowel movements.

Methylcellulose may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Methylcellulose side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Methylcellulose may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach cramps, rectal bleeding; or

no bowel movement within 3 days after using methylcellulose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Methylcellulose

You should not take methylcellulose if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use methylcellulose if you have other medical conditions, especially:

irritable bowel syndrome;

trouble swallowing;

stomach pain with nausea or vomiting;

a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer; or

if you have been constipated for more than 1 week.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using methylcellulose if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask your doctor before taking methylcellulose if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

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How to use Methylcellulose

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation:

6 to 12 years:1 tablet (500 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or one-half tablespoonful (9.5 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day, or one-half tablespoonful (5.1 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day. The mixture should be administered promptly, and drinking another glass of water is highly recommended.>12 years: oral tablet:2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Methylcellulose

Other drugs may interact with methylcellulose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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