Citrucel

Citrucel is a laxative that adds water to your stools, making them softer and easier to pass.

Citrucel is used to treat constipation and to help keep your bowel movements regular.

Citrucel may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Citrucel is usually taken 1 to 3 times per day. Use it exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Overusing a laxative may cause damage to the nerves, muscles, or tissues in your intestines.

Citrucel is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a full glass (8 ounces) of cold water or other liquid. Drink all of the mixture, and then drink one more glass of water.

Taking Citrucel without enough liquid may cause the powder to swell in your throat and cause choking, especially in older adults.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain, vomiting, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing after taking this medicine.

You should have a bowel movement within 12 hours to 3 days.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

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

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Citrucel 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 Citrucel if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask your doctor before taking Citrucel 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.

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

Citrucel may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach cramps, rectal bleeding; or
• no bowel movement within 3 days after using Citrucel.

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

Since Citrucel is used as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

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