wheat dextrin (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Benefiber

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatricGeriatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

Amount expressed as soluble fiber

powder for dissolution

  • packet
    • 6.2g (8, 12, 16, 24 ea)
  • bulk
    • 80g
    • 155g
    • 245g
    • 350g
    • 477g
    • 730g

Dietary Fiber Supplement

Indicated for daily fiber supplement

4 grams (2 teaspoons) PO TID added to 4-8 ounces of liquid or soft food

Dosage Forms & Strengths

Amount expressed as soluble fiber

powder for dissolution

  • packet
    • 6.2g (8, 12, 16, 24 ea)
  • bulk
    • 80g
    • 155g
    • 245g
    • 350g
    • 477g
    • 730g

Dietary Fiber Supplement

Indicated for daily fiber supplement

≥12 years: 4 grams (2 teaspoons) PO TID

6-11 years: 2 grams (1 teaspoon) PO TID

Add soluble powder to 4-8 ounces of liquid or soft food

Dietary Fiber Supplement

Assess geriatric patients for adequate fluid intake before prescribing

See Adult dosing

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Gastrointestinal: Bloating, flatulence, gastrointestinal distress

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Warnings

Contraindications

Allergy or intolerance to ingredients; some products may contain aspartame or phenylalanine

Cautions

Use caution in patients with esophageal strictures, ulcers, stenosis, intestinal adhesions, GI obstruction, fecal impaction, or difficulty swallowing

Use in patients with insufficient fluid intake may increase risk for fecal impaction or bowel obstruction

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy

Not systemically absorbed

Lactation

Not systemically absorbed

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Soluble fiber that absorbs water in the intestine; promotes peristalsis and reduces transit time

Absorption

Not systemically absorbed

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Administration

Oral Administration

Mix with 4-8 oz of hot or cold liquids (eg, water, juice, coffee) until dissolved

May mix with soft foods (applesauce, yogurt, pudding), or add to recipes when cooking

Not recommended for use with carbonated beverages

Storage

Store at 20-25ºC (68-77ºF)

Protect from moisture

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Images

No images available for this drug.
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Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.