Ispaghula husk for constipation

About ispaghula husk

Costipazione is a common problem which can be caused by a number of things. Not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. Some conditions (such as pregnancy) can cause constipation, as can a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines.

Often, increasing the amount of fibre (bran) in your diet and drinking plenty of water each day can effectively prevent or relieve constipation. You will have been recommended ispaghula husk to help relieve constipation if you cannot increase the amount of fibre in your diet, or if this is insufficient. Ispaghula husk, a lassativo, works by increasing the bulk of your stools, which encourages your bowels to move the stools through your digestive system, in turn relieving constipation.

Sachets containing granules of ispaghula husk are available on prescription, and can also be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using ispaghula husk if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If it is for a child. This is because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work or you are on a potassium-controlled diet.

• Se hai difficoltà a deglutire.

• Se sei così stitico da pensare di avere un blocco.

• Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione medica, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about ispaghula husk and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• Take ispaghula husk exactly as your doctor tells you to, or as directed on the pack. The usual dose for an adult is one sachet taken twice a day. Pour the granules from the sachet into a glass of water (about 150 ml), stir well, and then drink the liquid as soon as possible.

• It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Never take a dose at bedtime.

• If a doctor or healthcare professional has recommended ispaghula husk for your child, check the label on the pack carefully to make sure that you give the correct dose for the age of your child. Remember to stir the granules into a glass of water before giving the mixture to your child.

• Se dimentichi di prendere una dose, non preoccuparti, prendi semplicemente la dose successiva quando è il momento. Non prendere due dosi insieme per compensare una dose dimenticata.

• Sometimes it may take a few days before you feel the full benefit from a bulk-forming laxative such as ispaghula husk. However, if after several days you do not feel that your symptoms are improving, or if they become any worse, you should speak with a doctor.

• It is important to drink plenty while you are taking ispaghula husk. Adults should aim to drink at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do, but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.

• Cerca di seguire una dieta equilibrata che contenga alimenti ricchi di fibre come pane e cereali integrali, frutta e verdura, riso integrale e pasta integrale. Se non sei abituato a una dieta ricca di fibre, potrebbe essere meglio aumentare gradualmente la quantità di fibre che consumi.

• Mantenere il corpo attivo ti aiuterà a mantenere in movimento il sistema digestivo, quindi cerca di fare esercizio fisico regolare ogni giorno.

• You may wish to include some foods in your diet that contain sorbitol. Sorbitol is a naturally occurring sugar. It is not digested very well and draws water into your bowel which has an effect of softening stools. Fruits (and their juices) that have a high sorbitol content include apples, apricots, gooseberries, grapes (and raisins), peaches, pears, plums, prunes, raspberries and strawberries.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate leaflets called Constipation (for adults) and Costipazione nei Bambini.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the ones which sometimes occur with ispaghula husk. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere dovuti ai granuli, parla con il tuo medico o farmacista per ulteriori consigli.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.