Formulary
Ispaghula husk: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Bulk-forming laxatives relieve constipation by increasing faecal mass which stimulates peristalsis.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Ispaghula husk: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Bulk-forming laxatives relieve constipation by increasing faecal mass which stimulates peristalsis.
Drug action
Bulk-forming laxatives relieve constipation by increasing faecal mass which stimulates peristalsis.
Indications and dose
**Constipation**
- **Child** (By Mouth): 12-17 years 1 sachet twice daily, dose to be given in water preferably after meals, morning and evening.
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 1 sachet twice daily, dose to be given in water preferably taken after food, morning and evening.
**Constipation (dose approved**
- **Child** (By Mouth): 12-17 years 1 sachet twice daily, dose to be given in water preferably after meals, morning and evening.
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 1 sachet twice daily, dose to be given in water preferably taken after food, morning and evening.
**Constipation for ispaghula husk**
- **Child 1 month-5 years** (By mouth): 2.5-5 mL twice daily, dose to be taken only when prescribed by a doctor, as half or whole level spoonful in water, preferably after meals, morning and evening.
- **Child 6-11 years** (By mouth): 2.5-5 mL twice daily, dose to be given as a half or whole level spoonful in water, preferably after meals, morning and evening.
- **Child 12-17 years** (By mouth): 1 sachet twice daily, dose to be given in water preferably after meals, morning and evening.
**Constipation (dose approved for use by community practitioner nurse prescribers) for ispaghula husk**
- **Child 6-11 years** (By mouth): 2.5-5 mL twice daily, dose to be given as a half or whole level spoonful in water, preferably after meals, morning and evening.
- **Child 12-17 years** (By mouth): 1 sachet twice daily, dose to be given in water preferably after meals, morning and evening.
Cautions
Adequate fluid intake should be maintained to avoid oesophageal or intestinal obstruction
Contraindications
Colonic atony; faecal impaction; intestinal obstruction; reduced gut motility; sudden change in bowel habit that has persisted more than two weeks; undiagnosed rectal bleeding
Side effects
Frequency not known Abdominal distension; bronchospasm; conjunctivitis; gastrointestinal disorders; hypersensitivity; rhinitis; skin reactions
Interactions
**Other interactions (1):**
- Enteral absorption of concomitantly administered medicines such as minerals, vitamins (B12), cardiac glycosides, coumarin derivatives, carbamazepine and lithium may be delayed.
Medicinal forms
Granules,Suspension
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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