Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast or the first meal of the day.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may mix the contents with applesauce or water.

  • To mix with applesauce: Open the capsule and sprinkle the beads on 1 teaspoonful of applesauce in a clean container. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store the mixture for future use.
  • To mix with water: Pour 30 mL (1 ounce) of water into a clean cup. Open the capsule and sprinkle the beads into the cup. Swirl the bead-water mixture for at least 20 seconds. Swallow the mixture right away. If there are beads remaining in the cup, you may repeat the same procedure. Do not store the mixture for future use.
  • You may also take the bead-water mixture using a nasogastric or gastric feeding tube. After the mixture is given, flush the tube with an additional 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of water.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • For chronic idiopathic constipation:
      • Adults—145 micrograms (mcg) once a day. Some patients may need 72 mcg once a day.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For irritable bowel syndrome with constipation:
      • Adults—290 micrograms (mcg) once a day.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the medicine in the original bottle until you are ready to use it. The bottle contains a desiccant packet that helps to protect the capsules from moisture. Do not remove the desiccant packet from the bottle.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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