Methylcellulose is a drug to treat difficult bowel movements (constipation). This drug is a type of stool-forming laxative.bulk forming laxative).
Methylcellulose works by forming a mass of feces or feces, thereby causing a stimulus to defecate. It also increases the water content in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
Methylcellulose trademark: Citrucel
What is Methylcellulose
| group | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Category | Fiber supplements or laxatives bulk forming laxative |
| Benefit | Overcoming constipation or constipation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 6 years old |
| Methylcellulose for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not yet categorized. Methylcellulose is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. |
| Drug form | Caplets and powder |
Warning Before Consuming Methylcellulose
Methylcellulose should not be used carelessly. There are several things to consider before taking this drug, including:
- Do not take methylcellulose if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not give methylcellulose to children younger than 6 years without consulting a doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about using methylcellulose if you have colitis, difficulty swallowing, severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, or difficult bowel movements that have lasted more than 1 week.
- Some methylcellulose products may contain phenylalanine, talk to your doctor about their use if you have diabetes or phenylketonuria.
- Talk to your doctor about using methylcellulose if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking methylcellulose.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Methylcellulose
Methylcellulose is available in 500 mg caplets and 2 gram powder per one measuring spoon. The dosage of methylcellulose to treat constipation is divided based on the age of the patient and the dosage form of the drug. Here is the explanation:
Methylcellulose caplet
- Adults and children 12 years of age: The dose is 2 caplets per drink, which can be taken up to 6 times a day. Take the medicine with a glass of water. The maximum dose is no more than 12 caplets a day.
- Children aged 6–12 years: The dose is 1 tablet (500 mg) per drink, which can be taken up to 6 times a day. Take the medicine with a glass of water. The maximum dose is no more than 6 caplets a day.
Methylcellulose powder
- Adults and children 12 years of age: The dose is 1 tablespoon per drink, dissolved in 1 cup or about 250 ml of cold water, the drug can be taken up to 3 times a day.
- Children aged 6–12 years: The dose is teaspoon per drink, which is dissolved in 1 cup or about 250 ml of cold water. The drug can be taken up to 3 times a day.
How to Consume Methylcellulose Correctly
Take methylcellulose as recommended by your doctor and always read the instructions and how to use it on the medicine package. Avoid using methylcellulose for more than 7 days. Do not reduce or increase the dose, and take this medicine for longer than recommended.
For methylcellulose caplets, swallow the medication whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the caplets.
For powdered methylcellulose, dissolve the drug in a glass of cold water, then mix well, and take the medicine immediately after it is dissolved. Then, drink another glass of water afterwards. Be careful when swallowing medication because methylcellulose can expand in the throat and cause choking.
This medicine should not be taken at bedtime. Be careful when serving the medicine, do not let the medicine be inhaled. The use of methylcellulose can interfere with the absorption process of other drugs that you are taking. It's best not to take other medicines within 2 hours of taking methylcellulose.
Try to take methylcellulose at the same time every day for maximum benefits. If you forget to take methylcellulose, it is advisable to take it immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
During treatment with methylcellulose, you are recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, to help overcome constipation and prevent dehydration.
The effects of methylcellulose drugs can usually only be felt within about 12–72 hours after taking the drug. Check with your doctor if the constipation has not gone away or if it gets worse after 3 days of taking methylcellulose.
Store methylcellulose in a closed container in a cool room. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight, and keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Methylcellulose Interaction with Other Drugs
Always tell your doctor if you plan to use methylcellulose with other medications, supplements, or herbal products.
Drug interactions that can occur if methycellulose is used with other drugs are decreased effectiveness of sodium picosulfate or increased blood sugar lowering effect of insulin, glyburide, or acarbose.
Methylcellulose Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can arise after consuming methylcellulose, namely:
- bloating
- stomach cramps
- Diarrhea or constipation that gets worse
- Bleeding from the rectum
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to drugs after taking methylcellulose.
