Irritable...Fybogel (ispaghula husk): can I take it once per day?

It can be taken by children over the age of 6.If your doctor says it's OK, don't give Fybogel to a child under 6 years old.

It is not suitable for everyone.If you have a prescription for Fybogel, tell your doctor if it's safe for you.

If you want to make up the medicine, open the sachet and empty the granules into a glass.Cold water should be added to the glass.

If the solution is clear or hazy, you can drink it straight away.

If you make up the Fybogel drink, try not to breathe in the powder as it can cause an allergic reaction.

Have a drink of Fybogel before you go to sleep.It's a good idea to drink Fybogel just before you go to sleep.

You should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid during the day if you're taking Fybogel.

Some people may experience side effects from Fybogel, but most people have no adverse effects.

It will get better after a few days.If the side effects continue, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have had an allergic reaction before and you're exposed to the powder regularly, you are more likely to have a mild reaction to Fybogel.

If you think you're having a mild allergic reaction to Fybogel, stop taking it and ask your doctor for advice.

There are more side effects of Fybogel.You can see the leaflet inside your packet.

If you're trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor.

There is a leaflet on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy website.

It's best to take iron supplements at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take Fybogel.

If you're taking any other medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

A bulk laxative is called fybogel.It's easier to pass poo that is bulked up with fluid.

As long as your doctor recommends, you can take Fybogel.

If you're taking Fybogel to increase the fibre in your diet, your doctor may recommend that you take it for many months.

It can cause a problem with the electrolyte balance.You can get too high or too low levels of some substances in your body.

There are serious health problems that can be caused by a severe electrolyte imbalance.

If you want to increase the amount of fibre in your diet, you may need to take Fybogel for many months.

Sometimes you need to take 2 different types of laxatives at the same time.

There's an increased risk of side effects if you take 2 laxatives at the same time.

There are other types of drugs.They work in a different way than Fybogel.

There is no evidence to suggest that taking Fybogel will affect fertility.

If you have a lot of watery poos for more than 24 hours, you can't use the contraceptive pill or emergency contraception.

Your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancies if you have severe diarrhoea.To find out what to do, look on the pill packet.

It might be a good idea to stop eating pastries, puddings, sweets, cheese and cake for a while.