Methylcellulose Powder

Generic Name: Methylcellulose Powder and Powder Packets (meth-ill-SELL-yoo-lose)
Brand Name: Citrucel

Methylcellulose Powder is used for:

Treating constipation and restoring regularity. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Methylcellulose Powder is a bulk-forming laxative. It works by absorbing water and swelling in the intestines. This helps the stool form the bulk necessary to be easily passed.

Do NOT use Methylcellulose Powder if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Methylcellulose Powder
you have appendicitis, difficulty swallowing, intestinal blockage, severe constipation, or rectal bleeding of unknown cause

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Methylcellulose Powder:

Some medical conditions may interact with Methylcellulose Powder. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or a history of intestinal blockage
if you have a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks
if you have phenylketonuria

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Methylcellulose Powder. However, no specific interactions with Methylcellulose Powder are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Methylcellulose Powder may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Methylcellulose Powder:

Use Methylcellulose Powder as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Methylcellulose Powder may be taken with or without food.
Mix the dose recommended by the package labeling or your doctor with a full glass (at least 8 ounces/240 mL) of water. Stir briskly for 15 seconds and drink immediately. Drinking another glass of water is helpful. Taking this product without enough liquid may cause choking.
Take Methylcellulose Powder 2 or more hours before or after other medicines.
If you miss a dose of Methylcellulose Powder, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Methylcellulose Powder.

Important safety information:

Taking Methylcellulose Powder without enough fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take Methylcellulose Powder if you have difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or use Methylcellulose Powder for longer than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.
If your symptoms do not improve within 1 week or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Do not take additional laxatives or stool softeners with Methylcellulose Powder unless directed by your doctor.
Methylcellulose Powder usually takes 12 hours to 3 days to produce a bowel movement.
Stop use and contact your doctor if you have rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after use. These could be signs of a serious condition.
If you develop stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, contact your doctor. Do not use any more of Methylcellulose Powder until you have checked with your doctor.
If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more, check with your doctor.
Phenylketonuria patients - Methylcellulose Powder contains phenylalanine.
Methylcellulose Powder is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age without first checking with your doctor. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Methylcellulose Powder, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Methylcellulose Powder during pregnancy. It is unknown if Methylcellulose Powder is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Methylcellulose Powder, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Methylcellulose Powder:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abdominal fullness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

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

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Methylcellulose Powder:

Store this medicine at room temperature, below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Methylcellulose Powder out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about Methylcellulose Powder, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Methylcellulose Powder is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Methylcellulose Powder. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: October 1, 2008

Database Edition 08.4.1.001