Diagnosed With IBS And Taking Dothep. Advised To Take Metamucil For Diarrhoea. Not Having Diarrhoea Problem. Is It Safe To Take?

Posted on Wed, 2 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 2 Oct 2013 Answered on

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with IBS quite a number of years ago. I have had some relief over the last 3 years by taking Dothep which was prescribed by my GP. Today he advised me to take Metamucil to assist in the relief of diarrhoea - everything I have read says this is to relieve Constipation - I do not have that problem. I may need to go to the toilet up to 4 times per day. As long as the stool is formed I am happy. By taking Metamucil won't this induce diarrhoea, seeing that most times my stool is "formed"?

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hi

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting your query on XXXXXXX

Yes it is a possibility that metamucil may induce diarrhoea.
What you can try is taking a plain isapgula. It is a fiber supplement and may relieve your symptoms.

Other option is to try with lower than prescribed doses of metamucil and increase to prescribed doses if you feel comfortable over 3 to 4 days.

Hope this answers your query.

Happy to help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (12 hours later)

Hello - thank you for your assistance.

I have already decided to start with less than recommended dosage to start with for about 3 or 4 days so it is good to see that I will be following "doctor's advice".

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
right decision taken

Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam,
I think it was a correct decision to step up the doses slowly over 3 to 4 days till you reach the prescribed doses.

In case you develop diarrhea in between then can reduce to previously tolerated dose and continue with the same.

Best wishes..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E