Methylcellulose

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

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

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

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

Methylcellulose is a powder that needs to be mixed with a full glass (8 ounces) of cold water or another liquid. Drink all of the mixture, and then drink one more glass of water.

Taking methylcellulose without enough liquid may cause the powder to swell in your throat and could 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.

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 all your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

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

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

Ask your doctor before taking methylcellulose 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; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Methylcellulose 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 methylcellulose.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation:

6 to 12 years:1 tablet (500 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or one-half tablespoonful (9.5 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day, or one-half tablespoonful (5.1 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day. The mixture should be administered promptly, and drinking another glass of water is highly recommended.>12 years: oral tablet:2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.

Since methylcellulose 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's nearly 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 all your health care providers about all the medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.