Psyllium and Calcium

Generic Name: Psyllium/Calcium Capsules (SILL-i-um/KAL-see-uhm)
Brand Name: Metamucil Plus Calcium

Psyllium and Calcium is used for:

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

Psyllium and Calcium is a fiber 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 Psyllium and Calcium if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Psyllium and Calcium
• you have appendicitis, difficulty swallowing, severe constipation, intestinal blockage, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, or high levels of calcium in your blood

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

Before using Psyllium and Calcium :

Some medical conditions may interact with Psyllium and Calcium . 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 a sudden change in bowel habits persisting for more than 2 weeks
• if you have stomach or intestinal pain, nausea, vomiting
• if you have kidney problems, kidney stones, sarcoidosis, high levels of calcium in your urine, or if you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Psyllium and Calcium . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because effectiveness may be decreased by Psyllium and Calcium

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Psyllium and Calcium 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 Psyllium and Calcium :

Use Psyllium and Calcium as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Psyllium and Calcium may be taken with or without food.
• If your dose consists of more than 1 capsule, be sure to swallow only 1 capsule at a time.
• Take Psyllium and Calcium with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
• Do not take other oral medicines within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Psyllium and Calcium .
• If you miss a dose of Psyllium and Calcium , 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 Psyllium and Calcium .

Important safety information:

• If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Do not take additional laxatives or stool softeners with Psyllium and Calcium unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not use Psyllium and Calcium if you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding, except under the direction of your doctor.
• If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more, do not continue using Psyllium and Calcium . Instead, check with your doctor.
• Taking this product without enough liquid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention.
• Use of Psyllium and Calcium is not recommended in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Psyllium and Calcium , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Psyllium and Calcium during pregnancy. It is unknown if Psyllium and Calcium is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Psyllium and Calcium , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Psyllium and Calcium :

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; minor bloating.

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

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.

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 Psyllium and Calcium :

Store Psyllium and Calcium at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Psyllium and Calcium out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Psyllium and Calcium , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Psyllium and Calcium 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 Psyllium and Calcium . 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.