This medicine contains ispaghula husk which is a bulking agent. This means that when it is taken with water it increases the size of the faeces (stools) and helps solid waste to pass through the body. Ispaghula Husk sachets are used to treat constipation and in conditions where it is better for the patient to have soft stools. They are also used for patients who require a high fibre diet

Bulk-forming laxatives

The husk and seed of Plantago ovata are commonly known as psyllium or Ispaghula. Psyllium is widely used as a fiber supplement for the treatment of constipation. Psyllium husk is obtained by milling the seed of P.ovata. Psyllium is classified as a mucilaginous fiber due to its powerful ability to form a gel in water. This ability comes from its role as the endosperm of the P. ovata seed, where it's functions to retain water in order to prevent the seed from drying out. Psyllium husk contains

• High proportion of hemicellulose
• Arabinose
• Rhamnose
• Galacturonic acid units (arabinoxylans)
• 35% soluble and 65% insoluble polysaccharides

Most of the Ispaghula reach the caecum within four hours after ingestion in an intact and highly polymerized form. Ispaghula husk significantly increases the level of stool moisture, as well as wet and dry stool weight and shorten gastrointestinal transit time. Anaerobic fermentation of the soluble non-starch polysaccharides from Ispaghula seed results in the production of short chain fatty acids, acetate, propionate and butyrate in the intestine. Butyric acid is the preferred oxidative substrate for colonocytes and may be helpful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Ispaghula has hypocholesterolemic effects also. It is assumed that Ispaghula increases the activity of cholesterol alpha hydroxylase, HMG-CoA reductase and fractional turnover of both chenodeoxycholic and cholic acids. As a result it decreases cholesterol absorption and lowers LDL cholesterol.

Constipation:

• Adult: 3.5 g 1-3 times daily. Mix with a full glass of liq.
• Child: ≤12 yr Each level 5-mL spoonful contains 1.75 g: Half to 1 level 5-mL spoonful bid (morning and evening) to be dissolved in water.

Mild to moderate hypercholesterolaemia:

• Adult: As adjunct to lipid-lowering diet: 7.5-10 g daily. Mix with a full glass of liq.

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take before meals with a full glass of water.

Concurrent use of licorice, laxatives and antidiabetic agents may result in increased risk of hypokalemia and hypoglycemia. Carbamazepine bio-availability may be reduced during concomitant administration of psyllium seed.

Pre-existing faecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, natural or drug-induced reduction of gut motility, colonic atony e.g. senile megacolon.

Abdominal distention, flatulence, GI impaction, GI obstruction, hypersensitivity reactions e.g. rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchospasm and anaphylaxia; cutaneous symptoms (e.g. exanthema and/or pruritus).

No adverse effects of has been reported in pregnancy & lactation.

Patient with swallowing difficulty. Children.

Symptoms: Abdominal discomfort and flatulence. Management: Maintain adequate fluid intake.

Store below 30° C.