methylcellulose

Generic Name: methylcellulose (METH il SEL yoo los)
Brand Names: Citrucel, Citrucel Clear Mix, Citrucel Food Pack, Citrucel Lax, Citrucel SF

What is methylcellulose?

Methylcellulose is a bulk-forming laxative. Methylcellulose absorbs liquid in the intestines and makes a bulky, softer stool which is easier to pass.

Methylcellulose helps relieve constipation and to maintain regularity.

Methylcellulose may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about methylcellulose?

Do not use methylcellulose without first talking to your doctor if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Taking methylcellulose without enough liquid may cause it to swell in the throat and cause choking. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing after taking methylcellulose, seek immediate medical attention.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methylcellulose?

Do not take methylcellulose without first talking to your doctor if you have

stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting;
difficulty swallowing; or
intestinal obstruction or fecal impaction.

You may not be able to take methylcellulose or you may require special monitoring while taking methylcellulose if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Each level scoop of sugar-free methylcellulose powder contains 52 mg of phenylalanine. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.

Talk to your doctor before taking methylcellulose if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methylcellulose?

Take methylcellulose exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take methylcellulose capsules with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water or another liquid.

Mix methylcellulose powder with at least 8 ounces of water or another noncarbonated beverage. Mix briskly and drink promptly.

Taking methylcellulose without enough liquid may cause it to swell in the throat and cause choking.

If methylcellulose has produced no effect within one week or if rectal bleeding occurs, stop taking methylcellulose and contact your doctor. Do not take more methylcellulose than is recommended or for longer than one week except under the direction of your doctor.

If you experience chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing after taking methylcellulose, seek immediate medical attention. Store methylcellulose at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a methylcellulose overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking methylcellulose?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with methylcellulose unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

Methylcellulose side effects

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking methylcellulose and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
chest pain;
difficulty swallowing;
rectal bleeding; or
severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.

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.

Methylcellulose Dosing Information

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.

What other drugs will affect methylcellulose?

Methylcellulose can interact with other medications. Before taking methylcellulose, talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. You may not be able to take methylcellulose, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any other medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about methylcellulose written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.