Fiber Lax

Fiber Lax is a type of laxative that adds more water to your stools, making them softer and easier to pass.

Fiber Lax is used to treat constipation and to help keep bowel movements regular.

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

Fiber Lax is usually taken 1 to 4 times per day. Use it exactly as instructed on the label, or as your doctor prescribed. Do not use more or less than directed or for longer than recommended. Overusing a laxative may harm the nerves, muscles, or tissues in your intestines.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or another liquid. Then drink one more glass of water.

The chewable tablet form of polycarbophil must be chewed before swallowing. After chewing and swallowing the tablet, drink a full glass of water.

Taking Fiber Lax without enough liquid may cause the tablet to swell in your throat and lead to choking, especially in older adults.

Seek emergency medical help if you experience chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing after taking this medicine.

Drink plenty of fluids each day while taking Fiber Lax.

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

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better 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 using.

You should not use Fiber Lax if you are allergic to Fiber Lax or to mineral oil, sodium laurel sulfate, or povidone (such as Betadine).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• irritable bowel syndrome;
• trouble swallowing;
• stomach pain with nausea or vomiting;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• a history of bleeding from your rectum;
• a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 2 weeks or longer; or
• if you have been constipated for more than 1 week.

Ask your doctor before taking Fiber Lax if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before taking Fiber Lax if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Do not give this medicine to a young child without the advice of a doctor.

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.

Fiber Lax 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 Fiber Lax.

Common side effects of Fiber Lax may include:

• mild stomach pain;
• bloating; or
• gas.

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

Since Fiber Lax is taken as needed, you may not have a dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Do not take Fiber Lax within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take any other medicines. A laxative can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines.

Other drugs may interact with polycarbophil, 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.