Drug Action
Sterculia is a bulk-forming laxative. It relieves constipation by increasing faecal mass which stimulates peristalsis.
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Drug reference
Sterculia is a bulk-forming laxative. It relieves constipation by increasing faecal mass which stimulates peristalsis.
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Constipation ▶BY MOUTH ▶Child 6–11 years: 0.5–1 sachet 1–2 times a day, alternatively, half to one heaped 5-mL spoonful once or twice a day; washed down without chewing with plenty of liquid after meals ▶Child 12–17 years: 1–2 sachets 1–2 times a day, alternatively, one to two heaped 5-mL spoonfuls once or twice a day; washed down without chewing with plenty of liquid after meals ▶Adult: 1–2 sachets 1–2 times a day, alternatively, one to two heaped 5-mL spoonfuls once or twice a day; washed down without chewing with plenty of liquid after meals
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Colonic atony. difficulty swallowing . faecal impaction. intestinal obstruction
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Adequate fluid intake should be maintained to avoid oesophageal or intestinal obstruction CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION It may be necessary to supervise elderly or debilitated patients or those with intestinal narrowing or decreased motility to ensure adequate fluid intake.
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Diarrhoea. gastrointestinal discomfort. gastrointestinal disorders. nausea
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May be mixed with soft food (e.g. yoghurt) before swallowing, followed by plenty of liquid. Gastro-intestinal system
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Granules CAUTIONARY AND ADVISORY LABELS 25, 27 ▶Normacol (Forum Health Products Ltd) Sterculia 620 mg per 1 gram Normacol granules 7g sachets | 60 sachet G £6.67 DT = £6.67 Normacol granules | 500 gram G £7.92 DT = £7.92
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Patients and their carers should be advised that the full effect may take some days to develop. Preparations that swell in contact with liquid should always be carefully swallowed with water and should not be taken immediately before going to bed.
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0.5–1 sachet 1–2 times a day,
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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1–2 sachets 1–2 times a day,
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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1–2 sachets 1–2 times a day, alternatively, one
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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