Ispaghula Husk

Indications

Ispaghula Husk is used for: Constipation

Adult Dose

Adult: PO Constipation Initial: 10-20 g (15-30 mL)/day. Max: 45 mL (or 40 g of the reconstituted oral formulation)/day. Hepatic encephalopathy 60-100 g (90-150 mL)/day in 3 divided doses; adjust accordingly. Rectal Hepatic encephalopathy Mix 200 g (300 mL w/ 700 mL water or 0.9% NaCl as a retention enema. Retain enema for 30-60 mins; repeat 4-6 hrly until oral medication can be administered.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Galactosaemia, intestinal obstruction. Patients on low galactose diet.

Precautions

Monitor electrolyte imbalance. Lactose intolerance; diabetics.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Ispaghula Husk : Diarrhoea (dose-related), nausea, vomiting, hypokalaemia, bloating and abdominal cramps. Potentially Fatal: Dehydration and hypernatraemia on aggressive treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Absorbs water in the GI tract to form a mucilaginous mass which increases the volume of faeces and hence promotes peristalsis.