What it means
Psyllium soaks up water in the gut and forms a soft gel, making stool bulkier and easier to pass. It is used for constipation, can firm up loose stools, helps some people with irritable bowel syndromeIR-ih-tuh-bul BOW-ul SIN-dromeA long-term bowel condition with belly pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.Full entry and can lower cholesterol a little. Gas and bloating are common at first. Taken without enough liquid, it can swell and block the throat or bowel.
For the nurse
Teach the client to stir it into a full glass (about 8 ounces) of water or juice, drink it right away, drink plenty of fluids during the day, and take other medicines a couple of hours apart from it. It is not for clients who have trouble swallowing or a bowel blockage.
At a glance
| Drug class | bulk-forming laxative |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Metamucil, Konsyl |
| Spanish | psilio |
| Also written | Metamucil, Konsyl |
Related terms
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
irritable bowel syndrome
A long-term bowel condition with belly pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.
laxative
A drug that loosens stool or helps the bowels move, used to treat or prevent constipation.