Ispaghula husk

Bulk-forming Laxative·Gastrointestinal - Laxatives

Constipation, maintenance of normal bowel function in hemorrhoids/fissures

BULK LAXATIVEFybogel, AgiofibeEffervescent granules in sac…UNSCHEDULEDTGA

Max Dose

4 Sachets/day

Onset

2-3 Days

Water Req.

MANDATORY

Bloating

COMMON

Rapid Summary

Overview

A specific form of psyllium seed husk. Functionally identical to generic Psyllium (Metamucil). Absorbs water to create a bulky, soft stool.

Maximum Dose

Max 4 sachets/day.

Clinical Focus

Must be consumed with a full glass of water to prevent bowel obstruction/choking.

Bottom Line

Ispaghula husk is a bulk-forming laxative similar to psyllium for constipation and cholesterol lowering, but must be taken with sufficient fluid and can cause bloating initially.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Fybogel, Agiofibe

Oral Routes

Effervescent granules in sachets (often orange or lemon flavoured).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Constipation, maintenance of normal bowel function in hemorrhoids/fissures.

Clinical Place

Identical to Psyllium. Patient choice usually dictates use based on flavor/texture preferences.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Bulk-forming Laxative — A specific form of psyllium seed husk.

Route / Formulation

Effervescent granules in sachets (often orange or lemon flavoured). (Fybogel, Agiofibe)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 1 sachet dissolved in 150 mL of water, BD (morning and evening). Max 4 sachets/day.

Best Uses

Ispaghula husk is a bulk-forming laxative similar to psyllium for constipation and cholesterol lowering, but must be taken with sufficient fluid and can cause bloating initially.

Avoid / Cautions

Fecal impaction, mechanical bowel obstruction, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Pregnancy Category A.

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Bloating, flatulence. CRITICAL — Bowel/esophageal obstruction if taken with insufficient water.

Key Interactions

Binds other oral medications. Separate by 2 hours.

Monitoring

Ensure patient fluid intake is adequate throughout the day, not just with the dose.

Clinical Pearl

Do not chart bulk-forming laxatives for bed-bound, immobile geriatric patients. Gut motility requires physical movement. Adding bulk without movement causes severe impaction. Use osmotic agents (Movicol) instead.

Access

Fybogel, AgiofibeEffervescent granules in sac…

Brand: Fybogel, Agiofibe
Formulation: Effervescent granules in sachets (often orange or lemon flavoured)

Ispaghula husk

Bulk-forming Laxative·Gastrointestinal - Laxatives

Constipation, maintenance of normal bowel function in hemorrhoids/fissures

BULK LAXATIVEFybogel, AgiofibeEffervescent granules in sac…UNSCHEDULEDTGA

Max Dose

4 Sachets/day

Onset

2-3 Days

Water Req.

MANDATORY

Bloating

COMMON

Rapid Summary

Overview

A specific form of psyllium seed husk. Functionally identical to generic Psyllium (Metamucil). Absorbs water to create a bulky, soft stool.

Maximum Dose

Max 4 sachets/day.

Clinical Focus

Must be consumed with a full glass of water to prevent bowel obstruction/choking.

Bottom Line

Ispaghula husk is a bulk-forming laxative similar to psyllium for constipation and cholesterol lowering, but must be taken with sufficient fluid and can cause bloating initially.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Fybogel, Agiofibe

Oral Routes

Effervescent granules in sachets (often orange or lemon flavoured).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Constipation, maintenance of normal bowel function in hemorrhoids/fissures.

Clinical Place

Identical to Psyllium. Patient choice usually dictates use based on flavor/texture preferences.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Bulk-forming Laxative — A specific form of psyllium seed husk.

Route / Formulation

Effervescent granules in sachets (often orange or lemon flavoured). (Fybogel, Agiofibe)

Usual Dose & Max

PO 1 sachet dissolved in 150 mL of water, BD (morning and evening). Max 4 sachets/day.

Best Uses

Ispaghula husk is a bulk-forming laxative similar to psyllium for constipation and cholesterol lowering, but must be taken with sufficient fluid and can cause bloating initially.

Avoid / Cautions

Fecal impaction, mechanical bowel obstruction, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Pregnancy Category A.

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Bloating, flatulence. CRITICAL — Bowel/esophageal obstruction if taken with insufficient water.

Key Interactions

Binds other oral medications. Separate by 2 hours.

Monitoring

Ensure patient fluid intake is adequate throughout the day, not just with the dose.

Clinical Pearl

Access

Fybogel, AgiofibeEffervescent granules in sac…

Brand: Fybogel, Agiofibe
Formulation: Effervescent granules in sachets (often orange or lemon flavoured)