The cholesterol-lowering benefit of psyllium in Metamucil may also work as an additive to the effects of statin drugs, with an LDL-cholesterol lowering effect equivalent to doubling the statin dose. This could be particularly important for patients who cannot tolerate higher doses of a statin drug.
No interactions were found between Metamucil and simvastatin.
If your cholesterol-lowering statin isn't quite powerful enough to drop your LDL (bad) cholesterol as low as it should go, adding a fiber supplement could give you the edge you need.
Studies have shown psyllium can lower total, as well as LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. In combination with cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, psyllium provides an added benefit to reducing cholesterol levels.
Certain herbal supplements, such as St. John's wort and possibly quercetin, may decrease blood levels of some statin drugs, and when taken with atorvastatin, may actually result in increased cholesterol levels. Certain forms of magnesium may also decrease blood levels of statin drugs -- particularly Crestor.
When should I take Metamucil? To get the cholesterol-lowering benefit, take 1 teaspoon of Sugar-Free Metamucil with a full glass of water no more than 15 to 30 minutes before a meal. The psyllium needs to be in your GI tract the same time as your meal.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between atorvastatin and Metamucil.
Common Metamucil side effects include gas, bloating, and nausea. It's best to take Metamucil as directed to help prevent potentially dangerous side effects, such as blockages in the intestines. Speak with your healthcare provider before adding Metamucil to your daily routine.
Taking fiber supplements every day seems to be safe. Popular fiber supplements include inulin, psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Fiber is good for the body. It helps the bowel work well and prevents constipation.
For Metamucil Fibre Capsules and Capsules Plus Calcium, we recommend taking them 3 times daily with at least 240 mL of liquid, as indicated. Bulk-forming fibres like psyllium husk, may affect how well medicines work. Take this product at least 2 hours before or after medicines.
To promote heart health and help lower cholesterol,† take Metamucil fiber supplements as follows: For the Metamucil Sugar Free Powder and Premium blend, take one rounded teaspoon three times per day. For the Metamucil Real Sugar Powder, take one rounded tablespoon three times per day.
Metamucil 3-in-1 Fiber
A single serving contains 6 grams of fiber, which makes it an ideal choice for maintaining regularity and good digestive health. It also contains psyllium fiber—a type of soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol in your bloodstream—which may be beneficial if you are watching your levels.
* Metamucil Capsules: Take 5 capsules 4 times per day before each meal to help lower cholesterol to promote heart health. † Or take 2 to 5 capsules up to 4 times per day to promote digestive health. * Check with your health care professional if you are using Metamucil as part of a cholesterol-lowering program.
If you choose powdered Metamucil, you can mix with juice or water, but make sure that the liquid is cool. Hot liquids make it hard to mix and drink your Metamucil because the psyllium fiber gels faster in comparison. It's Metamucil-o-clock for someone out there, somewhere. Anytime is a good time to take Metamucil.
Put one dose into an empty glass. Mix this product (child or adult dose) with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid. Stir briskly and drink promptly.
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.
Psyllium husk, the active ingredient in Metamucil, is one of the most powerful LDL-lowering viscous soluble fibers in existence. A high fiber diet has been shown to reduce risk of heart disease.
Results: Serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 4.7% and 6.7% lower in the psyllium group than in the placebo group after 24–26 wk (P < 0.001). Other outcome measures did not differ significantly between groups.
Statins can stabilize cholesterol plaque already attached to artery walls, making it less likely to get worse or rupture, causing a heart attack or stroke. "Statins also help remove cholesterol from you blood by causing the liver to express more LDL cholesterol receptors that take cholesterol out of your blood," Dr.
Many statins work more effectively when they are taken at night. This is because the enzyme which makes the cholesterol is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short.