A medication used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) <Polyful>
Polyful is a medication used to regulate bowel movements and improve bowel irregularities such as diarrhea and constipation.
The active ingredient is called "polycarbophil calcium," and is mainlySymptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort.It is used for this purpose.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition in which a person experiences recurring abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, even though no obvious inflammation or tumors are found in the intestines during examinations.
"When I get nervous, I suddenly feel the urge to go to the bathroom.""I'm worried about getting diarrhea while commuting to work or school.""I experience alternating constipation and diarrhea.""My stomach feels bloated and I don't feel refreshed."
These symptoms may occur.
Polyful's characteristics are slightly different from typical anti-diarrheal and laxative medications.A medication that adjusts the amount of water in the intestines to bring the stool closer to the right consistency.That is the case.
Therefore, it has the somewhat unusual characteristic of being "used for both diarrhea and constipation."
How does Polyful work?
Polyful's active ingredient, polycarbophil calcium, releases its calcium deposits once it enters the stomach, and then swells in the intestines by absorbing water.
The image is,It acts like a sponge or jelly, holding onto moisture in the intestines.It might be easier to understand if you think of it as doing this.
This "water-retaining effect" regulates the amount of water in the intestines.
In case of diarrhea
When you have diarrhea, there is too much water in your stool.
Polyful absorbs excess moisture, bringing watery stools closer to a suitable consistency.
In other words, it's not a type of anti-diarrheal that forcibly stops bowel movements,It regulates the water content in the stool to improve diarrhea.It's medicine.
In case of constipation
On the other hand, in cases of constipation, Polyful swells up by absorbing moisture, making it easier to maintain the volume and moisture content of stool.
When stool contains an appropriate amount of moisture, it becomes easier to defecate and moves more easily through the intestines.
Thus,
In stools with too much moisture, the body absorbs the excess water; in stools with insufficient moisture, the body retains the moisture.
Because it works in this way, it can be used for both diarrhea and constipation.
Polyful itself is hardly absorbed from the digestive tract and primarily acts within the intestinal tract.
This is not a medicine that will stop diarrhea immediately.
One thing to keep in mind when taking Polyful is that it is not a medicine that will stop diarrhea immediately after taking it.
For example, some common anti-diarrheal medications work by suppressing bowel movements to relieve diarrhea relatively quickly, but Polyful is not that kind of drug.
By adjusting the amount of water in the intestines and the consistency of the stool, bowel movements will gradually return to a normal state.
therefore,
"I took it once, but the diarrhea hasn't stopped, so it's not working."
This is not a drug that will give you that diagnosis.
Basically, you should take the medication for a while according to the dosage and instructions given by your doctor, and observe how your stool consistency, frequency of bowel movements, and abdominal symptoms change.
However, if your symptoms do not improve even after taking the medication, consult a doctor instead of continuing to take it indefinitely for a long period of time.
How to take Polyful and dosage
In adults, it is usually expressed as polycarbophil calcium.
Take 1.5 to 3.0 g per day, divided into three doses, after meals.
In the case of Polyful tablets 500mg,
3 to 6 tablets per day
This falls within the normal range.
For example, if the dosage is 3 tablets per day,
Take one tablet after breakfast.One tablet after lunchOne tablet after dinner
This is how you drink it.
If taking 6 tablets a day,
Take 2 tablets after breakfast.Two tablets after lunchTake 2 tablets after dinner.
This is how you drink it.
However, the dosage will be adjusted depending on the symptoms.
Especially in cases where diarrhea is the primary symptom, we may start with a small dose.
When actually taking the medication, please follow the dosage instructions provided on the medicine packaging or by your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to drink it with plenty of water.
There are some particularly important points to keep in mind when taking Polyful.
it is,
"Take with plenty of water."
That's the point.
As a guideline,About one glass of waterPlease drink it together with this.
Polyful has the property of swelling when it absorbs moisture.
Therefore, if you take the tablet with little water, it may get stuck in your throat or esophagus, absorb water, and swell up.
Although extremely rare, there is a risk that the swollen medication could block the throat or esophagus.
therefore,
"I swallowed the medicine with just a sip of water."
"Drink without water"
"Drink it with just a small amount of water right before going to bed."
Please avoid drinking in that manner.
Particular caution is needed for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets or for the elderly.
When you take it,
"I feel like the medicine is stuck in my throat.""Difficult to swallow""I feel like there's something stuck in my chest."
If you experience any of these symptoms, please do not push yourself and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
What if I forget to take it?
Even if you realize you've forgotten to take it,Do not take two doses at once to try and make up for a missed dose.
If it's almost time for your next dose, you can generally skip the missed dose and start taking your medication as usual from the next scheduled time.
However, the appropriate response may vary depending on the prescription, so please consult a pharmacist if you are unsure.
There may be cases where you cannot take Polyful.
Polyful is a medication that acts relatively primarily in the intestines, but it is not suitable for everyone.
If you have any of the following medical conditions, you may not be able to take this medication.
People with acute, severe abdominal illness
This medication cannot be used in cases of acute abdominal conditions such as appendicitis, intestinal bleeding, or ulcerative colitis.
Polyful absorbs water and swells in the intestines, which may worsen symptoms depending on the condition of the illness.
Even if you think it's just irritable bowel syndrome,
"I suddenly developed a very severe stomach ache.""There is blood in my stool.""It is accompanied by a fever.""I'm experiencing a stomach ache unlike anything I've ever felt before."
In such cases, please consult a medical institution rather than continuing to take Polyful on your own.
People at risk of intestinal obstruction
It may not be suitable for use in cases of intestinal obstruction (ileus) or in situations where there is a high risk of developing intestinal obstruction, such as after surgery.
If you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, abnormal bloating, vomiting, or complete absence of bowel movements or gas, please consult a medical professional.
People with hypercalcemia
Because Polyful contains calcium, it cannot be used by people who already have high levels of calcium in their blood.
People with kidney stones
This product cannot be used by people with kidney stones, as it may worsen the condition of the stones.
People with impaired kidney function
In individuals with significantly impaired kidney function, this may affect the body's ability to process calcium.
In particular, it may not be suitable depending on the severity of kidney failure.
If you are receiving treatment for kidney disease or undergoing dialysis, please be sure to inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Those who should take this medication with particular caution
Elderly people
As people age, their kidney function may decline.
Therefore, calcium can easily accumulate in the body, potentially leading to hypercalcemia.
In elderly patients, the dosage may be reduced while monitoring symptoms and kidney function.
Pregnant women or those who may be pregnant
For pregnant women, this treatment is used only if a doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
children
No clinical trials have been conducted in children to fully confirm the safety and efficacy of this drug.
When using this product on children, always follow your doctor's instructions.
People with low stomach acid levels or those who have had their stomach completely removed.
Polyful works by having its calcium leached out by stomach acid, and then absorbing water in the intestines.
Therefore, it may not be fully effective for people with very low stomach acid levels or those who have had their stomach completely removed.
Please also pay attention to any other medications you are taking.
Polyful may interact with other medications.
Particular attention should be paid to the following:Calcium supplements and vitamin D preparationsis.
Taking calcium supplements at the same time can increase calcium intake and potentially lead to hypercalcemia.
Furthermore, caution is needed when using activated vitamin D preparations, which are used for conditions such as osteoporosis, as they also enhance calcium absorption.
Furthermore, it is used in heart diseasecardiac glycosides such as digoxinIf you are taking this medication, calcium may enhance its effects, potentially causing arrhythmias or other problems.
Among antibiotics,
Tetracycline antibiotics such as minocyclineNew quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and tosufloxacin
These substances, when bound to calcium, can reduce absorption and potentially weaken the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Also,
OmeprazoleLansoprazoleFamotidineAntacids
The effects of Polyful may be weakened by taking medications that suppress stomach acid.
Taking these medications does not necessarily mean you cannot use Polyful.
Instead of stopping medication on your own,Please inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medications, supplements, or calcium preparations you are currently taking.
Main side effects of Polyful
Polyful is a medication that primarily acts in the intestines, but it is not entirely without side effects.
One of the more common symptoms is gastrointestinal symptoms.
for example,
- I feel bloated.·nausea·Vomit- My mouth gets dry·stomach ache- My stomach is rumbling.·diarrhea·constipate
And so on.
"Diarrhea is a side effect of a medicine for diarrhea?""It's a laxative, but it makes you constipated?"
You might think so.
Polyful is a medication that regulates the water content of stool, so depending on your constitution and the dosage, it may cause your stool to become too hard or too soft.
If the symptoms are mild, we may simply monitor them, but if the symptoms are severe or persistent, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
If you experience a rash or itchiness
Rarely,
·rash- Itchy skin
Allergic symptoms such as those listed above may occur.
If you experience a clear rash or itching after starting the medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist to see if you should continue taking it.
Other reported side effects
It doesn't happen very often, but
·headache・Swelling- Decreased white blood cell countAbnormal liver function test results・Occult blood in urine• Urine protein
Other reports have also been made.
If any abnormalities are detected during a health checkup or blood test, please inform your doctor that you are taking Polyful.
Also be aware of hypercalcemia.
Polyful contains calcium.
While this rarely causes major problems with normal use, it may increase blood calcium levels in individuals with impaired kidney function, those using calcium supplements or activated vitamin D preparations, and the elderly.
In hypercalcemia,
- My mouth is extremely dry.- You'll want to drink a lot of water.- Increased urine volume- No appetite·nausea·constipateI feel sluggish.
Symptoms such as the following may occur.
If these symptoms become severe, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
What if there's no improvement after taking it for about two weeks?
Polyful is a medication used to improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but it is not a drug that completely cures the underlying cause; rather, it is a "symptomatic treatment" drug that suppresses the symptoms.
Generally, if symptoms do not improve after taking the medication, it is advised not to use it indiscriminately for a long period of time.
As one guideline,If symptoms do not improve much after taking the medication for about two weeksPlease consult a doctor.
Diarrhea and constipation are not always caused by irritable bowel syndrome.
especially,
- Blood in the stool- Black stools• Has a fever- I wake up in the middle of the night with diarrhea.My weight has suddenly decreased.- I have severe abdominal pain.Repeated vomiting- My stomach is extremely bloated and I can't have a bowel movement or pass gas.
If you experience symptoms like these, there is a possibility that another digestive disorder is underlying the condition, so please see a doctor as soon as possible.
To use Polyful effectively
In irritable bowel syndrome, lifestyle changes are just as important as medication.
Lack of sleep, stress, overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, and fatty foods can worsen symptoms.
Furthermore, drastically reducing food and fluid intake out of fear of diarrhea can actually worsen your health.
Conversely, drastically increasing your fiber intake because you're constipated can sometimes worsen bloating.
"What foods make the symptoms worse?""Under what circumstances do diarrhea and abdominal pain occur?"
Keeping a record of your symptoms can help you understand the patterns of your own symptoms.
summary
Polyful is a medication that improves diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome.
This medication does not strongly stop bowel movements like typical anti-diarrheal drugs, nor does it forcibly stimulate bowel movements like stimulant laxatives.
This medication absorbs and retains water in the intestines, regulating the amount of water in the stool and bringing it closer to an ideal consistency.is.
Therefore,
"It can be used for both diarrhea and constipation."
It has the following characteristics.
The most important thing when taking it is,Drink it with a sufficient amount of water, about one glass.is.
Because Polyful absorbs moisture and swells, it can get stuck in the throat or esophagus if there is not enough water.
Furthermore, since this medication contains calcium, caution is advised for individuals with kidney disease, kidney stones, or hypercalcemia, as well as those taking calcium supplements, activated vitamin D preparations, digoxin, or certain antibiotics.
Side effects may include abdominal bloating, nausea, dry mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
If your symptoms do not improve after taking the medication, or if you experience unusual symptoms such as bloody stools, fever, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting, do not continue taking the medication for an extended period on your own. Consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Polyful is a medication that, when used correctly, is expected to regulate the water balance in the intestines and improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which involves recurring diarrhea and constipation.
Comments