polycarbophil (FiberCon, Fiber Lax, Equalactin, FiberNorm, Mitrolan)
Classes: Laxatives, Bulk-Producing
Dosing and uses of FiberCon, Fiber Lax (polycarbophil)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 625mg
tablet, chewable
- 625mg
Constipation
1250 mg with 8 oz of water PO qday to q6hr; not to exceed 6 g/day
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 625mg
tablet, chewable
- 625mg
Constipation
<6 years: Administer under physician supervision; 625 mg with 8 oz of water PO qDay or q12hr; not to exceed 1.25 g/day
>6-12 years: Swallow 1 tab qDay or q6hr
>12 years: 1250 mg with 8 oz of water PO q6hr; not to exceed 6 g/day
Geriatric dosage forms and strengths
Constipation
1250 mg with 8 oz of water PO qday to q6hr; not to exceed 6 g/day
FiberCon, Fiber Lax (polycarbophil) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Abdominal fullness
Flatulence
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Bowel obstruction, appendicitis, dysphagia, fecal impaction, rectal bleeding
Cautions
Should be taken with enough fluid
If tetracycline is concurrently administered, take tetracycline 1 hr after or 2 hr before polycarbophiL
Use in children <6 years
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: NA; not absorbed; safe to be administered in pregnancy
Lactation: No data in nursing women; not absorbed and should be safe to use in nursing women
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 FiberCon, Fiber Lax (polycarbophil)
Mechanism of action
Bulk producing laxative that restores normal moisture leveL
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption
Onset: 12-72 hr
Metabolism: Metabolically inert
Excretion: Feces
