1. Ispaghula contains fibre and is usually used to help maintain normal bowel function.
2. It is important to stir the powder or granules into a glass of water (150ml/quarter of a pint) and drink immediately. If left to stand, it will become too thick to drink.
3. Ispaghula must not be taken dry or just before going to bed.
4. When used to relieve constipation, the full effect can take up to three days to develop.
5. Although side effects are rare, you may notice increased flatulence or bloating during the first few days of treatment.
This series of "advice tips" on commonly used drugs is written by pharmacists from the Sussex Pharmacy Academic Practice Unit. It is intended as a reminder of points to be made by pharmacists as they hand out dispensed medicines. The list is not intended to be comprehensive but to cover some important points. Cards for sale: Sets of the first 25 "tips" are now available for sale as 12 x 15cm cards, supplied with a ring binder, at a cost of £9.95. Orders should be sent to Pharmacy Practice Consultants, 12 Firle Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0NZ, with cheques payable to Pharmacy Practice Consultants.
By Carina and Duncan Livingstone
Other items in the series