Patient leaflet - Manx Ispaghula Husk granules for oral suspension 3.5 g
1. What Ispaghula Husk is and what it is used for
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.
2. What you need to know before you take Ispaghula Husk
Do not take Ispaghula Husk:
if you are allergic to ispaghula husk or any of the other ingredients (see section 6)
if you have a sudden change in bowel habit that has persisted for more than two weeks if you are suffering from a blockage of the bowel (intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction) if you have a weakness of the bowel wall (colonic atony)
if the speed in which material moves through your gut has always been slow (naturally occurring reduced gut motility)
if you have difficulty in swallowing or any throat problems
if you have rectal bleeding that is undiagnosed if you have failed to pass stools following the use of a laxative
if you are younger than 12 years of age. Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ispaghula Husk.
As per the instructions, always take this medicine
with plenty of water (see section 3). Taking it with too little water could cause it to stick in your gullet or throat, making it difficult for you to swallow or breath, to have pain in your chest or to be sick. If this happens seek urgent medical help
Make sure that you drink enough fluid during the day while you are taking this medicine (see ‘Taking Ispaghula Husk with food and drink’ below). If you are elderly or debilitated, you may need someone to help you do this
If you have been informed by your doctor that you have narrowing of the intestines or reduced bowel motility, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking Ispaghula Husk to make sure that it is suitable for you
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3 days, consult your doctor or pharmacist Do not take this product if you have
phenylketonuria (an inherited genetic disorder) as this product contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine
Do not take the last dose of the day immediately before sleep as this can cause obstruction of the bowel
Do not take if you are debilitated or elderly, unless your doctor has told you too
Take special care if you are a healthcare worker or care giver as allergic sensitisation may occur due to inhalation.
Children
Do not give this medicine to children under 12 years old.
Other medicines and Ispaghula Husk
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular the following:
Mineral or vitamin B 12 supplements
Medicines for heart failure (cardiac glycosides) Medicines to thin the blood such as warfarin Lithium for bipolar disorder
Medicines to treat diabetes
Thyroid hormones
Carbamazepine
Do not take with medicines which may reduce bowel motility (eg codeine and morphine).
Absorption of calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals from your digestive system may be reduced while taking this medicine.
Ispaghula Husk with food and drink
Maintain an adequate fluid intake whilst taking this medicine by drinking enough water. You should aim to drink at least eight large glasses of water a day To prevent constipation it is important to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) and to take daily exercise
Package leaflet: Information for the user Manx Ispaghula Husk Granules
for Oral Suspension 3.5g
(continued overleaf) Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body, causing dehydration.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
This medicine may be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
There are no known effects of this medicine on your ability to drive or use machinery.
Ispaghula Husk contains aspartame (E951)
This medicine contains 0.06mg aspartame in each sachet which is equivalent to 0.015mg/g.
Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. It may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which phenylalanine builds up because the body cannot remove it properly.
3. How to take Ispaghula Husk
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years
The recommended dose is one sachet up to three times a day, as needed.
Additional doses up to a maximum of 5 sachets can be used if required. Maximum daily dose = 5 sachets Mix one sachet in about 150ml (quarter pint) of cool water, stir briskly and swallow as quickly as possible. Avoid inhaling the powder when mixing with water. Do not give to children under 12 years of age.
This medicine should be taken during the day at least 30 minutes to one hour before or after a meal or taking other medicines.
You should not take it just before you go to bed. If you take more Ispaghula Husk than you should
If you have taken more than the usual dose, you should drink plenty of fluid. Consult a doctor if you develop any stomach pains or start vomiting. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days please see your doctor. If you forget to take Ispaghula Husk
If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you get any of the following side effects you should stop taking Ispaghula Husk and contact your doctor, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction to the medicine:
a skin rash resembling hives (itchy, raised swollen areas on the skin) or nettle rash
itchy or runny nose
shortness of breath
inflammation of the membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid.
You may experience flatulence during the first few days of taking Ispaghula Husk. These effects should lessen as you continue to take Ispaghula Husk. Faecal impaction, bloating, abdominal discomfort, bowel blockage or throat tightening may occur, particularly if this medicine is swallowed with insufficient fluids. Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Ispaghula Husk
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25ºC.
Store in the original package.
Do not use these sachets after the expiry date which is printed on the packet.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and information
What Ispaghula Husk contains
Each sachet contains the active ingredient ispaghula husk 3.5g. It also contains aspartame (E951), citric acid monohydrate and pregelatinised starch.
What Ispaghula Husk looks like and contents of the pack
The product is available in boxes of 7, 10, 30 and 60 sachets containing granules for oral suspension. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
MA Holder
Manx Healthcare Ltd, Taylor Group House, Wedgnock Lane, Warwick, CV34 5YA, UK. Manufacturer
Honeywood Ltd, Edmonds Close, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2QY, UK. Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call 01926 482511.
This leaflet was last revised in June 2020
WIP URN: 260620-FI01-PIL-10