Dosing and uses of Citrucel (methylcellulose)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
caplet
- 500mg
powder
- 2g/scoop
Constipation
2 caplets up to 6 times/day; not to exceed 12 caplets/day; follow each dose with 8 oz of water
Alternatively, 1 heaping tablespoon (2 g) in 8 oz water qDay to q8hr
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
caplet
- 500mg
powder
- 2g/scoop
Constipation (6-11 Years Old)
<6 years
- Safety & efficacy not established
6-12 years old
- 1 caplet up to 6 times/day; not to exceed 6 caplets/day
- 1 g (½ tablespoon) in 8 oz of cold water; may increase to 1 tablespoon q8hr
>12 years
- 2 caplets up to 6 times/day; not to exceed 12 caplets/day; follow each dose with 8 oz of water
- Alternatively, 1 heaping tablespoon (2 g) in 8 oz water qDay to q8hr
Citrucel (methylcellulose) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Flatulence
Impaction
Excessive bowel activity
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, bowel obstruction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen, GI ulceration/adhesions, fecal impaction, dysphagia, rectal bleeding
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: NA (supplement; not a drug)
Lactation: No data available; not absorbed, unlikely to pose risk in breastfeeding
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Citrucel (methylcellulose)
Mechanism of action
Bulk producing laxative
Pharmacokinetics
Metabolism: Not absorbed from GI tract
