polycarbophil (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:FiberCon, Fiber Lax, more...Equalactin, FiberNorm, Mitrolan

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatricGeriatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

  • 625mg

tablet, chewable

  • 625mg

Constipation

1250 mg with 8 oz of water PO qday to q6hr; not to exceed 6 g/day

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

  • 625mg

tablet, chewable

  • 625mg

Constipation

<6 years: Administer under physician supervision; 625 mg with 8 oz of water PO qDay or q12hr; not to exceed 1.25 g/day

>6-12 years: Swallow 1 tab qDay or q6hr

>12 years: 1250 mg with 8 oz of water PO q6hr; not to exceed 6 g/day

Constipation

1250 mg with 8 oz of water PO qday to q6hr; not to exceed 6 g/day

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and polycarbophil

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

            All Interactions Sort By:
             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (0)

                Monitor Closely (5)

                • demeclocycline

                  polycarbophil decreases levels of demeclocycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • doxycycline

                  polycarbophil decreases levels of doxycycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • minocycline

                  polycarbophil decreases levels of minocycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • oxytetracycline

                  polycarbophil decreases levels of oxytetracycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                • tetracycline

                  polycarbophil decreases levels of tetracycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.

                Minor (1)

                • sodium picosulfate

                  polycarbophil decreases effects of sodium picosulfate by Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

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                Adverse Effects

                Frequency Not Defined

                Abdominal fullness

                Flatulence

                Vomiting

                Stomach cramps

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                Warnings

                Contraindications

                Hypersensitivity

                Bowel obstruction, appendicitis, dysphagia, fecal impaction, rectal bleeding

                Cautions

                Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking; do not take this product if you have difficulty in swallowing; if experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention

                Ask a physician before using this product if experiencing abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over a period of 2 weeks

                Ask a healthcare professional if taking any other drug; take the product 2 or more hours before or after other drugs; laxatives may affect how other drugs work

                Not for use longer than 7 days unless directed by a physician

                Stop use and ask a physician if rectal bleeding occurs or if fail to have a bowel movement after use of this or other laxative; it could be a sign of serious condition

                Keep out of reach of children; if overdose, get medical help or contact poison control center right away

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                Pregnancy & Lactation

                Pregnancy Category: NA; not absorbed; safe to be administered in pregnancy

                Lactation: No data in nursing women; not absorbed and should be safe to use in nursing women

                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

                Bulk producing laxative that restores normal moisture level

                Pharmacokinetics

                Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption

                Onset: 12-72 hr

                Metabolism: Metabolically inert

                Excretion: Feces

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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.