Uses
What is Citrucel used for?
Citrucel (methylcellulose) is commonly used to treat occasional constipation.
Citrucel may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Citrucel work (mechanism of action)?
Citrucel contains methylcellulose, which is a type of fiber. It makes your stool (poop) bulkier and softer and helps pull water into your intestines. This helps stool pass more easily.
How is Citrucel supplied (dosage forms)?
Citrucel is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 500 mg oral caplets
- 2 g/scoop powder for oral solution
How should I store Citrucel?
Citrucel should be stored at room temperature, below 77 F (25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from humidity and keep tightly closed.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Citrucel?
The most common side effects of Citrucel are gas and stomach discomfort or cramping. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of Citrucel that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Citrucel?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Citrucel are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Choking. Taking Citrucel without enough fluid may cause it to swell up and block your throat or food pipe. This could cause choking. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, vomiting, or trouble swallowing or breathing after taking Citrucel.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Citrucel?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Citrucel.
- Citrucel
- Methylcellulose
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Citrucel.
Trouble Swallowing. Do not take Citrucel if you have trouble swallowing or if you have narrowing of your esophagus. You must swallow Citrucel, and the medicine may swell and make swallowing more difficult.
Symptoms of a Serious Gastrointestinal (GI) Problem. Citrucel should not be used without talking with your healthcare provider first if you have symptoms of a serious gastrointestinal problem. This can include symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, blood in your stool, or a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or longer.
What should I know about Citrucel before using it?
Keep Citrucel out of the reach of children.
You will need to take Citrucel with plenty of fluids. See the Interactions section for more details.
Stop taking Citrucel and talk with your healthcare provider if your constipation lasts more than 7 days or you develop rectal bleeding. These could be signs of a serious gastrointestinal (GI) problem.
Citrucel Sugar Free contains phenylalanine. Do not use this product if you have phenylketonuria.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Citrucel?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Citrucel is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Rectal bleeding
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or longer
- Constipation for more than a week
Pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Citrucel while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Citrucel while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Citrucel?
For more information about Citrucel, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.citrucel.com or call them at 800-897-6081.
Interactions
Does Citrucel interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Citrucel and foods or drinks.
Take Citrucel oral caplets with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or another fluid. Taking it without enough liquid may cause choking.
Mix Citrucel powder with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of cold water or another fluid. Stir the mixture briskly and drink it promptly. It is helpful to drink another glass of water.
There are no known interactions between Citrucel and alcohol. It is possible that alcohol may worsen constipation.
Does Citrucel interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Citrucel may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Citrucel?
If you or someone else has taken too much Citrucel, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Citrucel?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Have you ever purchased Citrucel (methylcellulose)?
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