Ispaghula husk for constipation

About ispaghula husk

Constipação is a common problem which can be caused by a number of things. Not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. Some conditions (such as pregnancy) can cause constipation, as can a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines.

Often, increasing the amount of fibre (bran) in your diet and drinking plenty of water each day can effectively prevent or relieve constipation. You will have been recommended ispaghula husk to help relieve constipation if you cannot increase the amount of fibre in your diet, or if this is insufficient. Ispaghula husk, a laxante, works by increasing the bulk of your stools, which encourages your bowels to move the stools through your digestive system, in turn relieving constipation.

Sachets containing granules of ispaghula husk are available on prescription, and can also be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using ispaghula husk if any of the following apply to you:

• Se você está grávida, tentando ter um bebê ou amamentando. Isso porque, enquanto você está esperando ou alimentando um bebê, deve tomar medicamentos apenas sob recomendação de um médico.

• If it is for a child. This is because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work or you are on a potassium-controlled diet.

• Se você tiver alguma dificuldade em engolir.

• Se você está tão constipado que acha que pode ter uma obstrução.

• Se você estiver tomando outros medicamentos. Isso inclui quaisquer medicamentos que você esteja tomando e que estejam disponíveis para compra sem receita médica, bem como medicamentos fitoterápicos e complementares.

• Se você já teve uma reação alérgica a um medicamento.

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about ispaghula husk and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• Take ispaghula husk exactly as your doctor tells you to, or as directed on the pack. The usual dose for an adult is one sachet taken twice a day. Pour the granules from the sachet into a glass of water (about 150 ml), stir well, and then drink the liquid as soon as possible.

• It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Never take a dose at bedtime.

• If a doctor or healthcare professional has recommended ispaghula husk for your child, check the label on the pack carefully to make sure that you give the correct dose for the age of your child. Remember to stir the granules into a glass of water before giving the mixture to your child.

• Se você esquecer de tomar uma dose, não se preocupe, apenas tome a próxima dose quando for a hora. Não tome duas doses juntas para compensar uma dose esquecida.

• Sometimes it may take a few days before you feel the full benefit from a bulk-forming laxative such as ispaghula husk. However, if after several days you do not feel that your symptoms are improving, or if they become any worse, you should speak with a doctor.

• It is important to drink plenty while you are taking ispaghula husk. Adults should aim to drink at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do, but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.

• Tente comer uma dieta equilibrada contendo alimentos ricos em fibras, como pães e cereais integrais, frutas e vegetais, arroz integral e macarrão integral. Se você não está acostumado a uma dieta rica em fibras, pode ser melhor aumentar a quantidade de fibras que você consome gradualmente.

• Manter o corpo ativo ajudará a manter o sistema digestivo em movimento, então tente fazer exercícios diários regularmente.

• Você pode querer incluir alguns alimentos em sua dieta que contenham sorbitol. O sorbitol é um açúcar que ocorre naturalmente. Ele não é muito bem digerido e atrai água para o intestino, o que tem o efeito de amolecer as fezes. Frutas (e seus sucos) que têm um alto teor de sorbitol incluem maçãs, damascos, groselhas, uvas (e passas), pêssegos, peras, ameixas, ameixas secas, framboesas e morangos.

• Você pode ler mais sobre como prevenir ou tratar a constipação nos folhetos separados chamados Constipação (for adults) and Constipação em Crianças.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the ones which sometimes occur with ispaghula husk. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the granules, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• Mantenha todos os medicamentos fora do alcance e da vista das crianças.

• Armazene em local fresco e seco, longe de calor e luz diretos.