Side Effects of Fybogel
Fybogel is a laxative that is used to regulate stool formation and composition as well as lower cholesterol in some patients. It is not available in the United States, but it is commonly used by patients in the United Kingdom.
What Is Fybogel?
Fybogel is a bulk-forming laxative that is commonly used in the United Kingdom. It is produced and manufactured by Reckitt & Colman Corporation.
The active ingredient in Fybogel is Ispaghula husk, produced naturally from the seeds of the Plantago plant. Psyllium husk, the active ingredient in the American laxative products Metamucil and Citrucel, is derived from the same family of plants.
Function
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Fybogel is used to treat acute and chronic constipation as well as other conditions of the bowel and digestive system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, patients are often prescribed Fybogel to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Patients with ulcerative colitis, a disease that causes inflammation in the colon, and hemorrhoids are also among those who might be prescribed Fybogel by their doctors.
Patients with colostomies may also be prescribed Fybogel to ease drainage.
In addition to bowel diseases and constipation, Fybogel is also prescribed to patients with hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol. Fybogel works by blocking some dietary cholesterol from being absorbed into the digestive tract, thus lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Side Effects
Fybogel may cause excess gas and flatulence. Abdominal distension, or bloating of the midsection, has also been reported.
If too much Fybogel is taken, the patient may experience diarrhea.
In rare cases, bowel obstruction has been noted. This is usually temporary and may resolve on its own.
Time Frame
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Excess gas and flatulence side effects associated with taking Fybogel usually occur at the beginning of treatment but often subside once your body gets used to taking Fybogel.
Precautions
Elderly people should exercise caution while taking Fybogel. Discussing the proper way to take Fybogel with their doctors can help senior citizens obtain the maximum benefits from this medicine and avoid uncommon side effects. If seniors have even minor problems with their swallowing reflex, they shouldn't take Fybogel as it could potentially cause them to choke.
Patients with histories of phenylketonuria (an inherited dysfunction of protein metabolism), intestinal blockage or obstructions or compressed fecal matter within the bowel (fecal impaction), or those who have trouble swallowing, should not take Fybogel. Patients with these conditions who take Fybogel can aggravate their symptoms or make them more severe.
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Leeann Teagno has been writing professionally since 2006. An English major, she continues to study information systems management at American Public University. Teagno is an organic gardener, cook and technology buff with past employment in mobile communications. She also volunteers at an animal shelter and operates a home bakery.