Fybogel comes as sachets of plain, orange- or lemon-flavoured granules.
Dosage
The usual dose of Fybogel for constipation is:
- adults and children aged 13 years and over – 1 sachet of granules twice a day
- children aged 6 to 12 years – half to 1 level 5ml spoonful of granules twice a day
- children under the age of 6 years (only under medical supervision) – half to 1 level 5ml spoonful of granules twice a day
How to take it
It's best to take Fybogel after a meal or snack.
To make up the medicine, open the sachet and empty the granules into a glass. Add at least 150ml (a quarter of a pint) of cold water to the glass.
Stir well until all the granules have dissolved and the Fybogel solution is clear or slightly hazy, and then drink it straight away.
Try not to breathe in the powder when you make up the Fybogel drink, as it can occasionally trigger a mild allergic reaction.
Have your evening drink of Fybogel at least an hour before going to bed. Drinking Fybogel later just before you go to sleep increases the chances of it causing a blockage in your gut.
Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid during the day while you're taking Fybogel or your constipation may get worse.
How long to take it for
You can take Fybogel for as long as the constipation lasts, or for as long as your doctor has recommended. This will usually be for up to a week.
For more serious constipation, and if you're taking Fybogel to increase the fibre in your diet, your doctor may recommend that you take it for many months.
If you forget to take it
If you forget a dose of Fybogel, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you take too much
Taking more than the usual dose of Fybogel is unlikely to harm you. If you take an extra dose, drink plenty of water.
If you're worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.