What is the dosage for using Metamucil for diarrhea (number of capsules and milliliters of water each time)? Thank you.

Question

Hello. I have an "unstable" or "irritable" bowel problem. Sometimes I have diarrhea and sometimes constipation. My family doctor suggested that I take Metamucil to combat both. She told me that to fight the diarrhea, I should take less water than to fight the constipation. She told me about 30 milliliters, without telling me how many capsules. That's 8 times less water than the 240 ml that would normally accompany 5 capsules. This seems very little to me considering that there is a warning about the danger of taking the capsules with insufficient water. Thank you very much, Ms. Vallières, and have a nice day.

Orianie Vallières · Accepted Answer

Hello Sir,  In fact, Metamucil is an excellent choice to relieve both your constipation and diarrhea. The psyllium fiber in Metamucil will help you regulate your bowel movements. You are right, the amount of water varies depending on the reason for use and it is possible to adjust. Note that there are different forms of Metamucil.  Concerning the Metamucil in capsules : For constipation : -      You can use 5 capsules 1 to 3 times a day with at least 250 ml of liquid  each time. Make sure you drink enough fluid to make it work and avoid constipation. For diarrhea : -     You can use the same number of capsules but with low fluid intake. Limit yourself to 125 ml of fluid , because otherwise you will have the opposite effect and it can make your diarrhea worse.  Don't worry about the warning. The risk is taking Metamucil with insufficient water and this can make your constipation worse. In your case, the effect is desired when you have diarrhea. Remember, you can adjust as you go. If you find that your stool is very watery, take-less water next time and vice versa :) Happy day, Orianie Vallières, pharmacy student (under the supervision of Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist) Here are some other tips that can help relieve your "irritable" bowel symptoms, Get regular physical activity. Manage stress better Avoid fatty and very sugary foods Stay hydrated (drink 2L/day), especially if you have constipation