POLYCARBOPHIL CALCIUM

Brand & Generic Names

Equalactin
FiberCon
Mitrolan

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Laxative (bulk-forming), antidiarrheal

Uses

• Relieves constipation and prevents straining for bowel movement.
• Stops diarrhea.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablets (laxative)--Swallow with 8 oz. cold liquid. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day in addition to the one with each dose.
Tablets (diarrhea)--Take without water at half-hour intervals.
Chewable tablets--Chew well before swallowing.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Resume regular schedule.

What drug does:
Absorbs water, stimulating the bowel to form a soft, bulky stool and decreasing watery diarrhea.

Time lapse before drug works:
May require 2 or 3 days to begin, then works in 12 to 24 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Don't take within 2 hours of taking another medicine.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Swallowing difficulty, "lump in throat" sensation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Rare:

Itchy skin, rash, intestinal blockage, asthma.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any bulk-forming laxative.
• You have symptoms of appendicitis, inflamed bowel or intestinal blockage.
• You have missed a bowel movement for only 1 or 2 days.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have diabetes.
• If you have a laxative habit.
• If you have rectal bleeding.
• If you have difficulty swallowing.
• If you take other laxatives.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Most bulk-forming laxatives contain sodium or sugars which may cause fluid retention. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Don't take for more than 1 week unless under a doctor's supervision. May cause laxative dependence.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
Don't take to "flush out" your system or as a "tonic."

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Digitalis	Decreased digitalis
preparations*	effect.
Salicylates*	Decreased salicylate
(including aspirin)	effect.
Tetracyclines*	Decreased tetracycline effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.