What are the Side Effects of Metamucil

Are you planning to start taking metamucil but wanted to know whether there are any side effects? If your answer is yes you are reading the right article.  I will tell you about metamucil side effects about which you should be careful about.  But before I discuss about the side effects wouldn't you want to learn a little bit about what exactly is metamucil?  So let us see what exactly is metamucil.

Since you are reading this article I am sure you are aware that metamucil is used as laxative for constipation relief.  In fact metamucil is one of the most popular laxative around.  This brand is available in the marked to more that six decades.  If a brand survives for that long you can be sure it is very reliable.  One of the reasons it is popular is it is available over the couter due to which millions of units are sold each year.

What are the Contents of Metamucil?

Metamucil has a plant based origin - it uses psyllium husk as its core ingredient.  This husk is produced from the seed of the psyllium plant.  The main purpose of cultivation of this plant is this husk. Psyllium is known by the name of Isabgol in India.  Isabgol is a very very popular remedy for constipation in India and it is available in almost any small grocery store at a very low price.

However there are small differences between Isabgol and Metamucil.  Isabgol contains just the husk where as metamucil also contains gelatin, Polysorbate 80 and caramel color.  Metamucil is available in more than dozens of flavors in the market including apple, orange, cinnamon, lemonade and berries.  

One of the reasons you would find metamucil easier to take is because of these added flavors.  Since Isabgol does not contain such flavors it is difficult for many people to take Isabgol as psyllium husk has not much taste.  These flavors also help in selling to various customers such as kids, adults or pregnant ladies.

Many people get excellent benefits on taking metamucil.  If you have taken metamucil earlier you also may have observed the same.  This may tempt you to take it whenever you face any bowels issues.  But I would like to warn you against doing that.  There can be several side effects if you start taking metamucil too frequently.  

Though many times these side effect may not be serious you should be careful and if required contact your doctor.  Most of the side effects are caused due to developing allergy towards the ingredients of metamucil.

What can be the Serious Side Effects of Metamucil

Some of the serious side effects of metamucils are mentioned below.  In case you suffer from any of these symptoms immediately contact your doctor as these can lead to more serious conditions.

• Although very rare some people may suffer from swelling on the face, rashes, itching and swelling on the skin, swelling on the face, mouth and tongue.  Usually these are caused by allergy to the ingredients of metamucil.  Allergy should be taken very seriously.
• Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Chest pain of pain in that region.
• Bleeding while passing stool.
• Having difficulty in swallowing food.  This is caused by swelling in the esophagus which is again a symptom of allergy.
• Diarrhea and dehydration due to passing of too much stool especially if you have to go to the loo too many times.  When you go to the toilet too many times you lose too much of water.  So keep taking water or oral mixture.

What are the Minor Side Effects of Metamucil

The above mentioned side effects are quite serious.  However in some cases the side effects may not be that serious. Here is a list of such side effects -

• Headaches or heaviness in the head.
• Bloating in the abdomen.
• Few rounds of motions.
• Slight cramps in the stomach.

In case you suffer from stomach ulcers or IBS taking metamucil can cause som other problems.  For example in case of ulcers it can cause bleeding in the stomach.  So you should avoid metamucil if you suffer from any of the two conditions.  

How to Avoid Metamucil Side Effects

Fiirst of all rememeber that the above side effects are extremely rare.  In most cases you can take metamucil safely. The most effective way to avoid such side effects is to take Isabgol instead of metamucil since isabgol does not contain the extra ingredients which is there for taste in metamucil.  However the downside is Isabgol is going to the bland in taste.  

Another thing you can do to avoid the side effects is to take in limited quantity.  Many times people increase the quantity and do not follow the directions on the recommended quantity in hopes of quick benefits.  If you do it you may be risking side effects.  Another simple advice would be to drink sufficient water.

If you take care of the above tips you should be able to take metamucil safely.