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 [...]

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Psyllium as follows: Psyllium absorbs water and swell in the intestines, giving rise to an unpleasant bloating sensation, abdominal discomfort, and flatulence. If these unpleasant symptoms are too bothersome, change in plan could be made by trying other laxatives. Psyllium needs large amount of water to be able to form bulk, which stimulates the bowels to move. So, these laxatives are to be taken with [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for using Psyllium as follows: Esophageal strictures Psyllium can absorb water and swell, while it is in the throat during swallowing, which can result in choking and difficulty breathing. Intestinal strictures Psyllium swells in the intestines and can cause severe intestinal blocks in individuals with intestinal strictures or adhesions from previous surgeries. So, Psyllium for the most part is contraindicated in individuals with history of intestinal strictures and adhesions. Individuals [...]

Patient was educated on the side effects of using Psyllium as follows: Abdominal discomfort Psyllium absorbs water and swells in the intestines, giving rise to an unpleasant bloating sensation, abdominal discomfort, and flatulence. Dehydration Since Psyllium takes large amount of water to be able to exert their effects, caution must be exercised with regards to rehydration. Noncompliance with rehydration can lead to episodes of intense dehydration. A deliberate effort for rehydration should be made, especially [...]

Patient was educated on how to take Psyllium as follows: Take Psyllium with a full 8 oz. of water. Take it at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of Psyllium as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Do not change the dose on Psyllium without consulting your doctor. Space Psyllium out by at least 2 hours from other [...]