Formulary
Sterculia: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Sterculia is a bulk-forming laxative.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Sterculia: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Sterculia is a bulk-forming laxative.
Drug action
Sterculia is a bulk-forming laxative. It relieves constipation by increasing faecal mass which stimulates peristalsis.
Indications and dose
**Constipation**
- **Child** (By Mouth): 12-17 years 1-2 sachets 1-2 times a day, alternatively, one to two heaped 5-mL spoonfuls once or twice a day; washed down without chewing with plenty of liquid after meals.
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 1-2 sachets 1-2 times a day, alternatively, one to two heaped 5-mL spoonfuls once or twice a day; washed down without chewing with plenty of liquid after meals.
**Constipation for sterculia**
- **Child 6-11 years** (By mouth): 0.5-1 sachet 1-2 times a day, alternatively, half to one heaped 5-mL spoonful once or twice a day; washed down without chewing with plenty of liquid after meals.
- **Child 12-17 years** (By mouth): 1-2 sachets 1-2 times a day, alternatively, one to two heaped 5-mL spoonfuls once or twice a day; washed down without chewing with plenty of liquid after meals.
Cautions
Adequate fluid intake should be maintained to avoid oesophageal or intestinal obstruction Cautions, further information In adults: It may be necessary to supervise elderly or debilitated patients or those with intestinal narrowing or decreased motility to ensure adequate fluid intake. In children: It may be necessary to supervise debilitated patients or those with intestinal narrowing or decreased motility to ensure adequate fluid intake.
Contraindications
Colonic atony; difficulty swallowing; faecal impaction; intestinal obstruction
Side effects
Frequency not known Diarrhoea; gastrointestinal discomfort; gastrointestinal disorders; nausea
Medicinal forms
Medicinal forms No licensed medicines listed.
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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