Abdominal cramping and bloating are also common Metamucil side effects. Sometimes, they go hand-in-hand with feeling gassy. Oftentimes, bloating happens when people don't drink enough water when taking their dose of Metamucil. In most cases, bloating is temporary and goes away after your body adjusts to it.
Although studies show that Metamucil may be beneficial for weight loss, there are a few side effects to consider. In particular, it may cause mild digestive issues for some people, including gas, bloating, or belching ( 6 , 7 ).
You may experience gas or bloating in the first few days as your body adjusts to the added fiber. This is normal and should go away as your body gets used to the added fiber. Make sure to put the powder into the dry, empty glass before pouring in the liquid.
There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.
This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Official answer. Bloating is a common side-effect of Metamucil. For new users, start by taking a small amount of Metamucil and then gradually increase to the recommended dosage to allow your system to adjust and to minimize gas and bloating. If you have tried this and you still experience bloating, talk to your doctor.
Serious side effects of Metamucil
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
May not be suitable for people with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, phenylketonuria, or difficulty swallowing. Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).
Metamucil is a fiber supplement that is commonly used to help with constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. While it is possible to gain weight when taking Metamucil, it is not a direct cause of the supplement itself.
Stop using Metamucil and call your doctor at once if you have: constipation that lasts longer than 7 days; rectal bleeding; or. severe stomach pain.
Too much fiber can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. Fluids, exercise, and dietary changes may help the body manage more fiber. These uncomfortable side effects of excessive fiber can occur when someone eats more than 70 grams (g) of fiber a day.
A person who eats too much fiber without ingesting enough water could experience temporary weight gain because the unabsorbed food adds bulk to the stool. This extra volume causes an increase in stool volume which can be seen as increased overall weight.
Mix one dose of Metamucil powder with at least 8 ounces of water. It should produce a bowel movement between 12 to 72 hours.
Metamucil is safe for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Too much fiber all at once might cause gas, which can trigger your symptoms. If fiber is helping, you may add some fiber supplements such as Metamucil or Citrucel. However occasionally fiber can make your symptoms worse. Then you should try to avoid fiber as much as possible.
Taking too much Metamucil can cause Metamucil overdose symptoms which can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or other symptoms of an overly high fiber diet. In addition, some Metamucil products contain potassium, which should not be taken in high doses. Keep the product out of the reach of children.
Always read the package before measuring out a dose, as the dosage can vary based on what kind you have. For the smooth powder, use 1 rounded tablespoon (about 18 grams) for digestive problems. If you're using the smooth powder as an appetite suppressant before meals, you can use 2 rounded tablespoons (about 36 grams).
Metamucil typically takes 2-3 days to work and it should not be taken before bed (8). You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to take it.
ConsumerLab found up to 14.6 micrograms (mcg) of lead per serving of this product. the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this lead level documented by ConsumerLab is concerning in our opinion.