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Psyllium Husk Powder - Uses, Dose, MOA, Side effects, Brands

Psyllium is a soluble fiber derived from the husks of Plantago ovata seeds. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement due to its numerous health benefits, particularly for digestive health. Psyllium is often found in the form of powder, capsules, or chewable tablets, and it's known for its ability to absorb water and form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract.

Psyllium Husk Powder is used to treat patients with occasional constipation, diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and coronary heart disease. It increases stool content and reduces transit time. It is also used as an adjunct to diet and medications for the treatment of patients with dyslipidemias.

Psyllium Uses:

Constipation:
- It is indicated for the treatment of occasional constipation
Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease:
- It is added to a regular diet to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD)
Dietary fiber supplement:
- It is used as a dietary fiber supplement
Off Label Use of Psyllium in Adults:
- It is used in the management of diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and medications.
- It is also used in the management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Psyllium Dose in Adults

Dosing guidelines vary; however, the dose should be adjusted gradually until effects are observed.

Psyllium Husk Powder Dose in the treatment of Constipation:

When using psyllium to treat constipation, the typical dose is between 2.5 to 30 grams per day.
You can divide this amount into smaller doses throughout the day.
For example, you might take it once in the morning and once in the evening.
This helps soften the stool and make it easier to pass, relieving constipation.

Dose in the Reduce risk of CHD:

To help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), you should aim to consume at least 7 grams of soluble fiber per day.
Psyllium seed husk, specifically, should be taken at a minimum of 10.2 grams per day.
This amount of soluble fiber from psyllium can help improve heart health and lower the risk of CHD.

Dose in the treatment of type 2 Diabetes mellitus (adjunctive therapy) (off-label):

When using psyllium as adjunctive therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus, the typical oral dose ranges from 6.8 to 13.6 grams per day.
This amount is usually divided into two doses taken throughout the day.
Psyllium can help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes when used alongside other treatments.

Dose in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (off-label):

When using psyllium for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an off-label oral dose of 10 grams per day is commonly recommended.
This amount is typically divided into one or two doses taken throughout the day.
Psyllium can help alleviate symptoms of IBS such as constipation or diarrhea by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements.

Psyllium Dose in Childrens

Psyllium Husk Powder Dose as Adequate intake for total fiber: Oral:

For children aged 1 to 3 years: 19 grams of fiber per day.
For children aged 4 to 8 years: 25 grams of fiber per day.
For children and adolescents aged 9 to 13 years: Males should aim for 31 grams per day, while females should aim for 26 grams per day.
For adolescents aged 14 to 18 years: Males should aim for 38 grams per day, while females should aim for 26 grams per day.

Please note that these are general guidelines and individual needs may vary. It's essential to maintain a balanced diet with a variety of fiber-rich foods in addition to considering psyllium supplementation.

Dose in the Bowel movement regularity: Oral:

Children aged 6 to less than 12 years: 1.25 to 15 grams per day, divided into 1 to 3 doses.
Children aged 12 years and older, as well as adolescents: 2.5 to 30 grams per day, divided into 1 to 3 doses.

These doses can help soften stool and increase bulk, facilitating regular bowel movements.

Dose in the treatment of Hypercholesterolemia; adjunct treatment with dietary management:

Children aged 2 to less than 12 years: 6 grams per day, divided into 1 to 3 doses.
Children aged 12 years and older, as well as adolescents: 12 grams per day, divided into 1 to 3 doses.

These doses can be effective in helping to lower cholesterol levels when used alongside dietary changes.

Pregnancy Risk Category:

Psyllium doesn't get absorbed into the body.
When taken with enough fluids, it's generally safe to use for easing occasional constipation during pregnancy, according to a study by Wald in 2003.
This means that it can help with constipation without posing significant risks to pregnant women or their babies.

Dose in Kidney disease:

The manufacturer's labeling typically doesn't provide specific dosage adjustments for psyllium in cases of renal impairment.
This suggests that individuals with kidney problems may not need to alter their psyllium dosage based solely on their renal function.

Dose in Liver disease:

The manufacturer's labeling typically doesn't specify dosage adjustments for psyllium in cases of hepatic impairment.
This suggests that individuals with liver problems may not need to modify their psyllium dosage solely based on their liver function.

Side effects of Psyllium Husk Powder:

Gastrointestinal:
- Abdominal Cramps
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Esophageal Obstruction
- Intestinal Obstruction
Hypersensitivity:
- Anaphylaxis (upon inhalation in susceptible individuals)
Ophthalmic:
- Allergic conjunctivitis (rhinoconjunctivitis)
Respiratory:
- Bronchospasm

Contraindications to Psyllium Husk Powder:

Psyllium should not be used if you have a hypersensitivity to psyllium or any component of the formulation.
Additionally, it's not recommended if you have fecal impaction or gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction.
These conditions can be aggravated by psyllium, potentially leading to complications.

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity reactions

Some people may experience hypersensitivity reactions when they ingest or inhale psyllium.
It's important to be aware of any allergic reactions you may have and to avoid psyllium if you're sensitive to it.

Coronary heart disease (CHD).

If you're using psyllium to lower your risk of CHD, it's crucial to incorporate it into a heart-healthy diet that's low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Psyllium's soluble fiber can help in reducing CHD risk when combined with dietary changes.

Gastrointestinal Disease:

Individuals with certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as esophageal strictures, ulcers, stenosis, or intestinal adhesions, should use psyllium with caution.
If you have difficulty swallowing, it's also essential to be careful when using psyllium.

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned.

How to administer Psyllium Husk Powder?

Using Psyllium Safely:

Inhalation Risks: Breathing in psyllium dust can lead to sensitivity symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, or wheezing.
Proper Administration:
- Liquid Intake: Always drink at least 8 ounces of liquid with each dose of psyllium to prevent blockages in the digestive tract.
- Powder Form: Mix psyllium powder in a glass of water or juice before consuming.
- Capsules: Swallow psyllium capsules one at a time with plenty of water.
- Dividing Doses: If you need to take more than one dose, split them throughout the day to ensure effectiveness.
- Separation from Other Medications: Take psyllium doses at least 2 hours apart from other medications.
Off-Label Uses:
- Type 2 Diabetes (Adjunctive Therapy): Take psyllium just before meals to help manage blood sugar levels.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Mix psyllium with food, preferably yogurt, and take it with meals to alleviate symptoms of IBS. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for the best results.

Mechanism of action of Psyllium Husk Powder:

Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that works by absorbing water in the intestine.
When you consume psyllium, it forms a thick, gel-like substance in your digestive system.
This viscous liquid helps to promote peristalsis, which is the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through your digestive tract.
By doing so, psyllium helps to regulate bowel movements and can reduce the time it takes for food to travel through your intestines.
This can be particularly beneficial for alleviating constipation and promoting overall digestive health.

Onset of Action:

It typically takes between 12 to 72 hours for psyllium to provide relief from constipation.
This means it might take a day or two before you start feeling the effects.

Absorption:

None: Psyllium itself is not absorbed by the body. However, small amounts of grain extracts present in the preparation may be absorbed after they're broken down in the colon.

International Brand Names of Psyllium Husk Powder:

Evac
Fiber Therapy
Geri-Mucil
Konsyl Daily Fiber
Konsyl Original Formula
Konsyl
Konsyl-D
Metamucil MultiHealth Fiber
Metamucil
Mucilin SF
Mucilin
Natural Fiber Therapy
Natural Fiber
Natural Psyllium Seed
Natural Vegetable Fiber
Reguloid
Sorbulax
Colofiber
Defenorm
Euromucil
Fiberad
Fibermate
Fibral
Fibrocol
Fibrolax
Fybogel
Konsyl
Laxamucil
Lunelax
Metamucil
Mucofalk
Mucofalk Orange
Mulax
Mutacil
Pal Mucil Polvo Vegetal Fino
Plenum
Regulan
Transilane

Psyllium Brand Names in Pakistan:

Fibo sachet and Jar.