Psyllium seed, Blonde

Plantaginis ovatae semen, psyllium seed, blonde psyllium seed.  

Psyllium, consisting of the ripe seeds of Plantago ovata Forsskaol (syn.   P.  isphagula Roxburgh) [Fam.  Plantaginaceae] and pharmaceutical preparations thereof.  

The drug contains bulking agents.  

Uses

Chronic constipation; disorders in which easy bowel movements with a loose stool are desirable, e.g., in patients with anal fissures, hemorrhoids, following anal/rectal surgery; during pregnancy; as a secondary medication in the treatment of various kinds of diarrhea and in the treatment of irritable bowel.  

Contraindications

Stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract.  Obstruction or threatening obstruction of the bowel (ileus).  Difficulties in regulating diabetes mellitus.  

Side Effects

In rare cases allergic reactions may occur.  

The intestinal absorption of other medication taken simultaneously may be delayed.  

Warning:There may need to be a reduction in the insulin dosage in diabetics who are insulin-dependent.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Daily dose:

• 12 - 40 g of the drug;
• equivalent preparations.  

The whole seeds as well as other galenical preparations to be taken orally.  

Note:Sufficient fluids must be taken with the drug, e.g., 150 ml water to 5 g drug.  The dose should be taken a half hour to one hour after taking other medication.  

Warning:If diarrhea lasts for more than 3 - 4 days, a physician must be consulted.  

Diarrhea:

• An increase of the passage time of the bowel content through bonding of water.  

Constipation:

• A decrease of the passage time of the bowel content through increase in the volume of the stool.  

A lowering of the serum-cholesterol level.