Psyllium Husk
Pronunciation: (meh-tuh-MYOO-sil) (SILL-ee-um).
- Generic name
- psyllium husk
- Brand names
- Sat-Isabgol, Regulan, Isabgol, Fybogel, Prodiem Plain, Novo-Psyllium
- Drug class
- Bulk-forming laxative (fiber supplement)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What psyllium husk is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how psyllium husk works
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that absorbs water in the intestine, forming a viscous gel that increases stool bulk and moisture. This stimulates peristalsis and facilitates bowel movements. Psyllium also binds bile acids, which may help lower cholesterol levels. (1)
What psyllium husk is used for
Occasional constipation and to help maintain regular bowel movements
Occasional constipation and to help maintain regular bowel movements (2)
Adjunct to help lower cholesterol, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol
Adjunct to help lower cholesterol, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol (2)
Adjunct support for blood sugar control in diabetes, as part of a healthy diet
Adjunct support for blood sugar control in diabetes, as part of a healthy diet (2)
Before taking psyllium husk
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to psyllium, esophageal or gastrointestinal obstruction, fecal impaction, or difficulty swallowing. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take psyllium husk
- General Instructions: Take Metamucil exactly as directed on the label or by your healthcare provider. Always mix powder forms with at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of water or another liquid.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose: 1 rounded teaspoon (3.4 g) in 8 oz of liquid 1–3 times daily. Adjust as needed for regularity.. Pediatric Dosing: Children 6–11 years: Half the adult dose. Children under 6: Use only under medical supervision.. Administration: Stir powder briskly into liquid and drink immediately. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not take dry powder or granules.. When To Stop: Consult your doctor promptly if constipation lasts more than 7 days, you develop rectal bleeding, or have severe abdominal pain — let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep tightly closed.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe bloating, abdominal discomfort, or intestinal blockage. Seek emergency medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, severe pain, or cannot pass stool or gas. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Bloating or gas
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database and consistent with bulk-forming fiber laxatives generally; frequency not established
Abdominal discomfort
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reaction in people sensitive to inhaled or ingested psyllium
Incidence: Per FDA-approved OTC label; frequency not established
Difficulty swallowing or breathing, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, inability to pass stool or gas, or rectal bleeding — these can signal choking, blockage, or a more serious condition and need prompt medical attention.
(1)Serious warnings
Take each dose with a full glass of water to prevent choking — serious
Symptoms: Take each dose with a full glass of water to prevent choking. Do not use if you have difficulty swallowing. Consult your doctor before use if you have diabetes or are on a low-sugar diet. Seek medical attention promptly if you develop chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing — let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use. Long-term use without medical supervision is not recommended.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to psyllium, esophageal or gastrointestinal obstruction, fecal impaction, or difficulty swallowing. Use caution in patients with diabetes (sugar-containing formulations), phenylketonuria (aspartame-containing products), and those at risk for dehydration.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Psyllium may reduce the absorption of certain oral medications, including digoxin, warfarin, carbamazepine, and some antidepressants. Take other medications at least 2 hours before or after Metamucil. Consult your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you use. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA-approved OTC label instructs: if pregnant, ask a health professional before use. (2)
Breastfeeding
The FDA-approved OTC label instructs: if breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. (2)
Children
Per the FDA-approved OTC label: children 6-11 years may take half the adult amount (about half a packet or half a rounded tablespoon/teaspoon, roughly 1.7 g) in 8 oz of liquid, up to 3 times daily. For children under 6, consult a doctor before use — do not give without medical guidance. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA-approved OTC Drug Facts label reviewed for this page states no specific renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance for psyllium; no dose adjustment is specified. As with any laxative, people with kidney or liver disease should ask a doctor or pharmacist before use, and should take this product 2 or more hours apart from other medicines since psyllium can affect how other drugs are absorbed. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA-approved OTC Drug Facts label reviewed for this page states no specific renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance for psyllium; no dose adjustment is specified. As with any laxative, people with kidney or liver disease should ask a doctor or pharmacist before use, and should take this product 2 or more hours apart from other medicines since psyllium can affect how other drugs are absorbed. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Per the clinician-authored record: store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep the container tightly closed. This has not been independently confirmed against a specific current product label in this research pass, so always follow the storage instructions on your own product's packaging.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
United States (OTC Drug Facts label)
Indication: Occasional constipation / regularity
Dose summary: Adults and children 12+: 1 packet or 1 rounded tablespoon/teaspoon (approximately 3.4 g psyllium husk) in at least 8 oz of liquid, up to 3 times daily. Children 6-11: half the adult amount, up to 3 times daily. Under 6: consult a doctor. Corrected from an internal database figure of 'about 15 grams' per dose, which the FDA-approved label does not support — the actual labeled per-dose amount is approximately 3.4 g.
Renal context: The FDA-approved OTC Drug Facts label reviewed for this page gives no renal- or hepatic-impairment-specific dosing guidance for psyllium; no dose adjustment is specified. The label advises anyone taking another drug to ask a doctor or pharmacist before use and to take psyllium 2 or more hours before or after other medicines, since it may affect how other drugs work — a relevant caution for patients on renally- or hepatically-cleared medications with a narrow therapeutic window. (2)
Frequently asked questions
How long does Metamucil take to work?
Metamucil usually produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours after the first dose. Effects may vary depending on individual response and fluid intake.
Can I take Metamucil every day?
Yes, Metamucil can be taken daily as a fiber supplement, but long-term use should be under medical supervision. Always follow dosing instructions and drink plenty of fluids.
Is Metamucil safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Psyllium is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement.
Can Metamucil help lower cholesterol?
Yes, studies show that psyllium can help lower total and LDL cholesterol when used as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
What should I do if I have trouble swallowing Metamucil?
Do not take Metamucil if you have difficulty swallowing. Always mix powder with enough liquid and drink immediately. Seek medical advice if you have swallowing problems.
Can children use Metamucil?
Metamucil can be used in children over 6 years old at reduced doses. Consult a pediatrician before giving to children under 6.
Does Metamucil interact with other medications?
Yes, psyllium may affect the absorption of some medications. Take other medicines at least 2 hours before or after Metamucil.
What happens if I take too much Metamucil (psyllium)?
Taking too much Metamucil (psyllium) can lead to severe bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and potentially bowel obstruction if not enough fluid is consumed. In rare cases, an overdose could cause a blockage in the esophagus or intestines. If you suspect an overdose and experience severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or persistent vomiting, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Metamucil (psyllium)?
Generally, there are no direct contraindications to drinking alcohol while taking Metamucil (psyllium). However, alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which is important to avoid when taking a bulk-forming laxative like psyllium, as adequate fluid intake is crucial for its safe and effective action. Excessive alcohol consumption can also exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, potentially counteracting the benefits of Metamucil.
Is Metamucil (psyllium) safe during pregnancy?
Metamucil (psyllium) is generally considered a relatively safe option for constipation during pregnancy due to its non-systemic action. However, it is always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before starting or continuing any medication, including fiber supplements, while pregnant. Your doctor can assess your individual health needs and ensure it is the most appropriate and safest choice for you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of psyllium husk?
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that absorbs water in the intestine, forming a viscous gel that increases stool bulk and moisture. This stimulates peristalsis and facilitates bowel movements. Psyllium also binds bile acids, which may help lower cholesterol levels. (1)
What is the generic name of Psyllium Husk?
The generic name is psyllium husk. It is sold under brand names including Sat-Isabgol, Regulan, Isabgol, Fybogel, Prodiem Plain, Novo-Psyllium.
What class of drug is psyllium husk?
Psyllium Husk is classed as: Bulk-forming laxative (fiber supplement).
References
- Metamucil (psyllium) clinician-reviewed medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored internal database · Global (institutional record, not a national regulator) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Metamucil Psyllium Husk Powder OTC Drug Facts labelU.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- METAMUCIL THERAPY FOR REGULARITY (PSYLLIUM HUSK) POWDER [ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Unflavored Organic Natural Fiber — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M007)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- psyllium husk — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 104129)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient psyllium husk names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Metamucil Therapy for regularity3.4 g/5.8g, 3.4 g2g · atlantic biologicals corp.
- meijer Natural Fiber3.4 g2g · meijer distribution inc
- up and up fiber therapy3.4 g/5.79g · target corporation
- meijer fiber laxative.52 g · meijer distribution, inc
- Publix Fiber Therapy Sugar Free3.4 g/5.8g · publix super markets, inc
- Best Choice Fiber Laxative.52 g · best choice (valu merchandisers company)
- Premier Value Fiber Therapy Original Coarse3.4 g/7g · pharmacy value alliance, llc
- Premier Value Fiber Therapy Orange Flavor3.4 g2g · pharmacy value alliance, llc
- meijer fiber therapy3.4 g/5.79g · meijer distribution inc
- Natural Orange Flavor Organic Natural Fiber3.4 g2g · raritan pharmaceuticals inc