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sterculia

 

Classes: Laxatives, Other

Dosing and uses of Sterculia

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

granules

  • 62% sterculia gum

 

Constipation

1-2 sachets PO qD-BID; place granules on tongue & swallow with 250 mL of water

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

granules

  • 62% sterculia gum

 

Constipation

>12 years old: same as adult dose

<12 years old: not established

 

Sterculia adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Constipation

Flatulence

Abdominal cramping

Impaction

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, obstruction, fecal impaction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen, GI ulceration, dysphagia, rectal bleeding

 

Cautions

Ingest adequate quantities of water with the preparation

Not recommended during abd pain, N/V, fever

Separate by all other medications by 2 hr, since laxatives may decr absorption

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: N/A

Lactation: no data available; not absorbed, therefore unlikely to pose risk in breast-feeding

 

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 Sterculia

Onset: 12-72 hr

Metabolism: not absorbed from GI tract

Excretion: fecaL

 

Mechanism of action

Sterculia urens gum; bulk-producing laxative