Polycarbophil
Calcium Polycarbophil Chewable tablet
What is this medicine?
POLYCARBOPHIL (pol i KAR boe fil) is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It is used to add more fiber into your diet. This medicine is also used to treat constipation.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
change in bowel habits for more than 14 days
blocked intestines or bowel
high levels of calcium in your blood
kidney disease
phenylketonuria
stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
trouble swallowing
an unusual or allergic reaction to polycarbophil, soy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Chew it completely before swallowing. Follow the directions on the package label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
digoxin
estramustine
ethotoin
phenytoin
some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, tetracycline
strontium-89 chloride
thyroid hormones
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This medicine can take up to 3 days to work. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. See your doctor if you have to treat your constipation for more than 1 week.
Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
Drink several glasses of water a day while you are taking this medicine. This will help to relieve constipation and prevent dehydration.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
chest pain
nausea, vomiting
rectal bleeding
trouble swallowing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
stomach bloat, cramps, gas
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Calcium Polycarbophil Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
POLYCARBOPHIL (pol i KAR boe fil) is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It is used to add more fiber into your diet. This medicine is also used to treat constipation.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
change in bowel habits for more than 14 days
blocked intestines or bowel
high levels of calcium in your blood
kidney disease
stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
trouble swallowing
an unusual or allergic reaction to polycarbophil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the package label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
digoxin
estramustine
ethotoin
phenytoin
some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, tetracycline
strontium-89 chloride
thyroid hormones
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This medicine can take up to 3 days to work. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. See your doctor if you have to treat your constipation for more than 1 week.
Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
Drink several glasses of water a day while you are taking this medicine. This will help to relieve constipation and prevent dehydration.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
chest pain
nausea, vomiting
rectal bleeding
trouble swallowing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
stomach bloat, cramps, gas
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert