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Fiber Lax

Generic name: Polycarbophil [POL-ee-KAR-boe-fil]
Brand names : Equalactin Fiber, Lax Fiber, and Laxative Fiber Tabs.
Drug class: laxatives

What is Fiber Lax?

Fiber Lax increases the water content in your stool to make it softer and easier for you to pass. Fiber Lax helps to maintain regular bowel movements and treat constipation. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Fiber Lax.

Side effects of Fiber Lax

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

Fiber Lax may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Rectal bleeding and severe stomach cramps;

  • Fiber Lax is not effective if you haven't had a bowel movement in 3 days.

Fiber Lax can cause the following side effects:

  • Mild stomach pain

  • Bloating;

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For medical advice regarding the potential adverse reaction. Contacting the FDA with concerns over adverse side effects is easy; simply dial 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Please read and follow all instructions found on your medication's label or package, then inform your healthcare provider of all medical conditions, allergies and medicines you take.

Similar/related drugs

MiraLAX, Docusate, Colace, Bisacodyl, Senna, and Polyethylene Glycol (3350

Before you take this drug

Fiber lax should not be used if you have an allergy to fiber lax, mineral oils, or sodium laurelsulfate (such as betadine).

If you have other medical conditions or concerns, consult with a physician or pharmacist as to whether the medicine will be safe to take.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Symptoms of stomach pain include nausea and vomiting.

  • A blockage of your intestines

  • A history of bleeding in your rectum

  • Constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 weeks should not be ignored as symptoms.

  • Have You Been Constipated for More Than 7 Days? If that has been the case for you, and the symptoms have persisted over that timeframe, treatment might include probiotics as an aid to alleviate symptoms and restore regularity to the digestive tract.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Fiber Lax. This medicine contains phenylalanine. If you suffer from phenylketonuria, talk to your doctor about fiber laxity. Do not administer this medicine to young children without consulting a physician.

How to take Fiber Lax?

Fiber Lax can be taken up to four times a day. Follow all directions provided on your medication label or from a healthcare professional. Use only the recommended amount. Do not exceed it. The nerves, muscles, or tissues of your intestines can be damaged by excessive use of laxatives. This medicine should be taken with 8 ounces of water or any other liquid. Drink one more glass of water. Before swallowing your chewable tablet, be sure to chew thoroughly first. Drink a glass of water after chewing and sucking the tablet. If you take Fiber Lax without enough liquid, the tablet may swell and cause choking in older adults. If you experience chest pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems after taking this medication, seek emergency medical care. Take Fiber Lax with plenty of water each day. You should be able to have a bowel motion within 12 hours to 3 days. If your symptoms persist after three days of treatment, call your doctor. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Fiber Lax can be used as needed, and you do not need to follow a schedule. If you have a regular schedule, take the missed dose as quickly as you can. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Fiber Lax should not be taken within 2 hours of taking any other medicine. Laxatives can interfere with the absorption of other medications.

Interaction with other drug

Polycarbophil may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.