Fibertab

Fibertab is a type of laxative that works by adding more water to your stools, making them softer and easier to pass.

Fibertab is used to treat constipation and to support regular bowel movements.

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

Fibertab is usually taken 1 to 4 times each day. Use it exactly as directed on the label or as your doctor prescribed. Do not use more or less than recommended or for longer than suggested. 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 Fibertab without enough liquid may cause the tablet to swell in your throat and lead to choking, especially in older adults.

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

Drink plenty of fluids every day while you are using Fibertab.

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 use Fibertab if you are allergic to Fibertab 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 Fibertab if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before taking Fibertab 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.

Fibertab 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 Fibertab.

Common side effects of Fibertab 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 can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Fibertab is taken 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's almost 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 Fibertab 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 medicines you begin or discontinue.