Side Effects > Psyllium

Psyllium Side Effects

Brand Names: Konsyl, Metamucil

Please note - some side effects for Psyllium may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Psyllium - for the Consumer

Psyllium/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 when using Psyllium/Calcium:

Abdominal fullness; minor bloating.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Psyllium/Calcium:

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.

Psyllium

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 when using Psyllium:

Abdominal fullness; minor bloating.

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

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.

Psyllium 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 when using Psyllium Powder:

Abdominal fullness; minor bloating.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Psyllium Powder:

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.

Psyllium Wafers

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 when using Psyllium Wafers:

Abdominal fullness; minor bloating.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Psyllium Wafers:

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.

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Side Effects by Body System

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.

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.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included several cases of esophageal impaction and duodenal bezoars in patients receiving a bulk laxative product containing 82% psyllium 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.

Hematologic

The case report of eosinophilia was believed to be a sole manifestation of an allergic reaction to psyllium.

Hematologic side effects have included a case of eosinophilia.

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