Some medications that interact with these supplements include antidepressants, diabetes medications, and carbamazepine. Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure your medications are safe with a fiber supplement. Like all laxatives, drinking plenty of fluids while using fiber supplements is essential, or else they could worsen constipation.įiber supplements can interact with other medications and reduce or delay their effectiveness. It's much less likely to cause intestinal gas than other fiber laxatives. Methylcellulose, like polycarbophil, is plant-based and absorbs water in the gut.
One drawback: It needs to be spaced with other medications you're taking to ensure they're adequately absorbed.
Calcium polycarbophil absorbs water in the digestive tract, making stools softer and bulkier.One significant side effect: Psyllium can cause intestinal gas. It's used for various conditions, including IBS and diverticulosis (note that it's not recommended for diverticulitis). Psyllium breaks down in the gut and becomes a food source for the good gut bacteria.There are three basic types, each of which uses a different ingredient, such as psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, or methylcellulose. Fiber supplements soften the stool and stimulate a bowel movement.
