Side effects Metamucil

For the Consumer

Applies to psyllium: capsules, powder, wafers

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abdominal fullness; minor bloating.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking psyllium (the active ingredient contained in Metamucil)

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; difficulty swallowing; trouble breathing; vomiting.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to psyllium: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution, oral wafer

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have been reported rarely. They have included sensitization from inhalation of fine dust particles dispersed into the air as the product is mixed or poured.[Ref]

While hypersensitivity reactions may be severe, they are most frequently reported by workers in the pharmaceutical firms that manufacture the drug. This is because when it is mixed or poured, fine dust particles are readily dispersed into the air and can then be inhaled and cause sensitization. Orally ingested psyllium seems less likely to induce sensitization.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included several cases of esophageal impaction and duodenal bezoars in patients receiving a bulk laxative product containing 82% psyllium (the active ingredient contained in Metamucil) and 18% senna (commercially available as Perdiem Overnight Relief). Other gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, intestinal gas, cramps, mild diarrhea, rectal pain, constipation, and irritation.[Ref]

Hematologic

The case report of eosinophilia was believed to be a sole manifestation of an allergic reaction to psyllium (the active ingredient contained in Metamucil) [Ref]

Hematologic side effects have included a case of eosinophilia

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