Some of the most popular brand names for laxatives are Metamucil, Fibercon and Citrucel. Read more about fiber supplements here. Patients taking Metamucil capsules should drink eight ounces of liquid with each dose 2. Taken orally, stool softeners work like the name implies — they make hard stools softer and easier to pass with less strain. Amy Cates is an award-winning writer and journalist whose byline has appeared in national, regional and local magazines and newspapers. Compare the ingredients of this product, and metamucil (or the equate equivalent). Metamucil should be mixed with eight ounces of a beverage and can be taken up to three times a day 2. This non-allergenic, non-fermentable fiber is created from the cell walls of plants. The powder dissolves in any beverage. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. He holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing from York College of Pennsylvania. Cates is currently completing her master's degree in English. From individual vitamins to recipes designed for specific health complaints, Swanson has a capsule suitable for every possible need. This type of laxative adds moisture to stool, allowing it to slide through the digestive tract with ease. FiberCon Vs. Metamucil. According to Metamucil.com. Not only will these options not help with opioid induced constipation (because opioids prevent peristalsis) but they may result in worse abdominal pain. While Metamucil is safe when used as directed, as with any medication, improper use can lead to other medical issues. FiberCon Vs. Metamucil. Taking more than the recommended dosage can ultimately result in a vitamin deficiency. Milk of Magnesia is a household name as an OTC drug for constipation, and works gently. It is also used in some instances as part of a weight loss program. Despite some of the claims, there is no concrete evidence showing that Metamucil reduces body fat or is effective for weight loss over the long haul. The powder comes in a variety of flavors, including orange, pink lemonade and berry, and is mixed with water by the user. Diarrhea could also result, leading to dehydration. Loose stools are a primary IBS symptom for individuals who have diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and an intermittent symptom for those who have IBS-alternating type. If symptoms of constipation linger past seven days, however, see a physician. (Benefiber, Citrucel, Fibercon and Metamucil) They work by absorbing water to form soft, bulky stool. You can look for sugar-free (artificially sweetened) and lower-sugar options, though. Some people who take Metamucil for weight loss may be tempted to take excess amounts in an effort to speed the process. In rare cases, severe side effects may be present, such as an allergic reaction, such as a rash, tightness in the chest, difficulty swallowing or vomiting. Despite some of the claims, there is no concrete evidence showing that Metamucil reduces body fat or is effective for weight loss over the long haul. Bulking agents may be soluble, such as psyllium (Metamucil), or insoluble, such as bran, methylcellulose (Citrucel), and polycarbophil (Fibercon… Metamucil can be used as fiber therapy or as a laxative 2. People who abuse Metamucil or any other laxative may become psychologically dependent on the product. MiraLAX is a brand-name, over-the-counter product that’s typically used to treat short-term constipation. Fiber is also available over the counter in calcium polycarbophil (Equalactin, Fibercon), methylcellulose fiber , psyllium (Fiber-Lax. Fiber-based laxatives, including Fibercon and Metamucil, can take 12 to 72 hours. The powder comes in a variety of flavors, including orange, pink lemonade and berry, and is mixed with water by the user. Metamucil is also available without prescription 2. Benefiber vs. Metamucil. Laxatives can also help with constipation, but … These are bulk-fiber products. The product may help to curb appetite when taken just before a meal. Metamucil is easy to take. Miralax should be taken daily 1. Cosmetic Dentistry. Lubricant Laxatives. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Metamucil: Metamucil Fiber Supplement FAQ. Constipation is a common problem that can be treated at home with changes to your diet and exercise. There is also no proof that it will result in any changes to how the body metabolizes food. You can try Benefiber vs. Metamucil. These act to increase stool bulk and stimulate peristalsis—movements that push stuff through the colon. While they differ in their ingredient composition, they contain natural fiber, which is also soluble. Miralax can be taken daily, but is not recommended for long-term use 1. Metamucil: 51% Benefiber: 25% FiberCon: 9% Citrucel: 6% Fiber Choice: 4% Konsyl: 2% Phillips' Fiber Good: 2% Vitafusion Fiber Well: 1% . The psyllium husk in Metamucil works without the addition of stimulants 2. Some dieters claim that Metamucil is effective as a weight loss supplement 1. This prompts normal contraction of the intestinal muscles to stimulate bowel movements. Konsyl , Metamucil ), and wheat dextrin ( Benefiber ). Side effects may occur, including abdominal bloating. Metamucil contains psyllium husk, which is not absorbed by the body and acts as a natural laxative 2. Miralax's ability to draw water into the colon helps ease bowel movements without some of the side effects commonly associated with laxatives 1. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include the natural laxative psyllium husk (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), wheat dextrin (Benefiber) and calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon). This product is calcium and some other ingredients in pill form. The Metamucil products are also relatively inexpensive. in English, with master's coursework in journalism. Over-the-counter remedies for constipation vary in content and in the way they work. Her clients have included national consumer and trade publications, as well as corporate and nonprofit organizations. Chris Joseph writes for websites and online publications, covering business and technology. It contains polyethylene glycol 3350, which also comes as store-branded generic products. Oral bulk formers. Typically these loose stools are associated with abdominal pain that improves with bowel movements, diarrhea urgency, and, at its worst, bathroom accidents (fecal incontinence).. With these symptoms, … Methylcellulose . Miralax is the first prescription laxative to be available over-the-counter in 30 years 1. She holds a B.A. Metamucil is a common over-the-counter dietary supplement often used to prevent or relieve occasional constipation 1. Bulk forming agents include psyllium, Metamucil, Citrucel, or Fibercon. Both supplements are safe, but you should read reviews before taking Benefiber if you are gluten-intolerant. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. As the psyllium swells, bulk forms and helps relieve constipation. Brand names include Metamucil, Fiberall, Hydrocil, Konsyl, and Serutan. Are you looking for a laxative or a fiber supplement? Miralax, also known as polyethylene glycol 3350, treats constipation by drawing water into the colon 1. Metamucil contains 100 percent natural fiber which is helpful in relieving occasional constipation 1. According to ObesityCures.com, Metamucil is just as effective as more expensive weight loss supplements like FiberThin and ZetaCap. Swanson produce a wide variety of supplements to support good health, weight loss and beauty. Learn More. FiberCon; Metamucil; Oral stool softeners. Metamucil is a supplement that's often used to treat constipation and support regularity. If symptoms of constipation linger past seven days, however, see a physician. Metamucil is another popular brand of psyllium husk fiber, but it’s quite high in sugar. It comes in a variety of forms, including powder, tablets, and wafers. There is also no proof that it will result in … Learn More. Other brands include Colace, which is a stool softener. Its side effects include; gas, bloating growth and increased constipation if a person fails to take enough water. Before choosing a laxative or fiber therapy, patients should consult with their physician. Two well-known products–Metamucil and Miralax–can relieve symptoms of constipation and provide other benefits as well 12. Natural stool softeners Share on Pinterest Prunes contain soluble and insoluble fiber. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Miralax can be taken daily, but is not recommended for … it also helps lower cholesterol, which can limit the risk of developing heart disease. This product contains Calcium Polycarbophil 625 Mg Equivalent to 500 Mg Polycarbophil Bulk-Forming Laxative Where as, last I checked, the equate "bulk forming" fiber/powder is some husk/fiber. Metamucil can be used as fiber therapy or as a laxative 2. Capsules can also be taken up to three or four times a day as fiber therapy.