Methylcellulose

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Microgel

Drug group:

Laxative and anti-diarrhoeal drug

Prescription needed?

No

What does it do?

Methylcellulose has both laxative and anti-diarrhoeal functions and can be used to treat:

• Constipation, diverticular disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (laxative effect)
• Chronic watery diarrhoea - reduces the frequency and increases the firmness of faeces
• Colostomies and ileostomies - helps control the consistency of faeces
• Obesity - the bulking agent swells to give a feeling of fullness

How does it work?

• Methylcellulose is not absorbed into the bloodstream but remains in the intestine
• It absorbs large amounts of water, softening faeces and increasing faecal volume

How should it be used?

• If used as a laxative: break the tablets in your mouth and swallow with a full glass of water (at least 300 ml), and do not take at bedtime
• If taken for diarrhoea: avoid liquids for 30 minutes before and after each dose
• Discuss with your doctor/pharmacist before using methylcellulose if you have: severe constipation and/or abdominal pain, unexplained rectal bleeding, difficulty in swallowing

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

1.5–6g taken 1–2 x daily

How quickly will it start to work? 

Within 24 hours                            
   

How long will the effects last?

Up to 3 days           

When should I stop using it?

Can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed       
                

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No problems expected                                                                   

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• Rare: abdominal distension, flatulence, blockage of the oesophagus or intestine (usually with insufficient fluid intake)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe abdominal pain, no bowel movement for 2 days after taking the drug

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: bowel obstruction, intestinal tumours
• Other medicines: No known interactions
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems