Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Psyllium as follows:
- Water is needed to swallow the Psyllium completely into the stomach. Care must be taken to prevent Psyllium absorb water and swell, while it is in the throat, which can result in choking and difficulty breathing.
- Psyllium can reduce the absorption of certain prescription medications. Space Psyllium out by at least 2 hours from other medications.
- Soluble fiber in Psyllium forms a gel and traps sugars, as the gel moves through the intestines. Trapped sugars are slowly released, which slows down their absorption into the blood. This might lower the blood sugars and lead to hypoglycemia. Be aware of signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as, lightheadedness, confusion, headache, irritability, nervousness, weakness and fatigue.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose.
- Report any lack of bowel movement for 3 days, while using Psyllium.
