Sterculia

Sterculia is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat constipation.

Sterculia is available under the following different brand names: N/A.

Granules

• 62% sterculia gum

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Constipation

• Adults and children over 12 years: 1-2 sachets orally once or twice daily; place granules on tongue and swallow with 250 mL of water
• Children under 12 years old: not established

Side effects of sterculia topical include:

• Constipation
• Gas (flatulence)
• Abdominal cramping
• Fecal impaction

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Sterculia has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Sterculia has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of sterculia include:
  • deflazacort
• Mild interactions of sterculia include:
  • sodium picosulfate

Warnings

This medication contains sterculia. Do not take sterculia if you are allergic to sterculia or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity, obstruction, fecal impaction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen, gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration, problems swallowing (dysphagia), rectal bleeding

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Sterculia?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Sterculia?"

Cautions

• Ingest adequate quantities of water with the preparation
• Not recommended during abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, fever
• Separate by all other medications by 2 hours, since laxatives may decrease absorption

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is no information available regarding use of sterculia during pregnancy. Consult your doctor.