Citrucel (methylcellulose fiber) and Metamucil (psyllium fiber) are popular over-the-counter (OTC)fiber supplements.
Both are classified asbulk-forming laxativesused to relieve occasional bouts ofconstipation.
The two contain different active ingredients: Metamucil contains psyllium fiber, while Citrucel contains methylcellulose fiber.
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Both are considered natural fiber types, and both options can effectively ease constipation.
People also take Metamucil or Citrucel to boost theirfiber intake.
However, not all fiber supplements are proven to relieve constipation.
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What Is Constipation?
Primarily, it occurs due to changes in diet or routine or due to inadequate intake of fiber.
The longer you go before you poop, the more difficult it becomes for poop to pass.
Occasional constipation can often be relieved by changing your diet, exercising, or drinking more water.
Specifically, one treatment for constipation is bulk-forming laxatives.
What Is Citrucel?
Citrucel is a brand-name OTC medication.
It contains the active ingredient methylcellulose fiber.
It is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to relieve occasional, irregular constipation.
Citrucel should not be taken every day forchronic (ongoing) constipation.
Constipation lasting more than seven days could indicate a more serious health problem.
Citrucel comes in two forms: an oral tablet and a powder to be dissolved in liquid.
Both forms of Citrucel are FDA-approved for adults and children 6 or older.
Consult a healthcare provider before giving Citrucel to children younger than 6.
How Does Citrucel Work?
Citrucel contains methylcellulose, a soluble fiber found in plants.
There, Citrucel works by increasing the bulkiness of your stool.
It also causes more water to enter the bowel.
Stools that are hard and dry are more challenging to pass.
Additionally, Citrucel produces more complete andregular bowel movements.
A bowel movement occurs within 12 to 72 hours after starting Citrucel.
Individual results can vary when it comes to relieving constipation with Citrucel.
In some cases, one dose of Citrucel is enough to produce a bowel movement.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label or from a healthcare professional.
What Is Metamucil?
Metamucil is an OTC bulk-forming laxative used for relieving occasional or irregular constipation.
Metamucil contains the active ingredientpsyllium husk, which is a key in of natural, soluble fiber.
Metamucil powderis to be dissolved in liquid.
It is FDA-approved for relieving constipation in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
Like Citrucel, consult a healthcare provider before giving Metamucil Orange Powder to children younger than 6.
Note that the manufacturer of Metamucil currently sells multiple different products under the Metamucil brand.
Many products in the brands lineup are now classified as dietary supplements and contain different ingredients.
However, this article focuses on the original versions of Metamucil with Drug Facts labels on the container.
How Does Metamucil Work?
Metamucil and Citrucel work differently.
Instead of remaining undigested and intact like Citrucel, Metamucildissolves in the gut.
Metamucil typically causes a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours after the first dose.
No studies have directly compared the effectiveness of Citrucel and Metamucil for constipation.
Metamucil generally has more evidence supporting its overall effectiveness for maintaining regularity.
However, the two products are expected to work similarly well for a simple case of occasional constipation.
As such, other factors may be better determinants of which product a person chooses.
For instance, someone may dislike the orange flavor of the powders and prefer to take Citrucel tablets instead.
Many OTC fiber supplements are available.
Choosing one can be confusing or overwhelming.
A pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you.
Side Effects & Safety
Generally, Citrucel and Metamucil cause relatively few side effects.
No known severe side effects have been reported with Citrucel or Metamucil.
However, constipation can sometimes signify a more serious health problem.
Mix either product with at least 8 ounces (oz) of water or other liquid.
If the mixture seems too thick, add more water if youd prefer a thinner consistency.
Continue drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day to help promote bowel regularity.
Precautions
People should not take Citrucel or Metamucil if they have trouble swallowing.
Potential for Interaction
Citrucel and Metamucil can interact with oral medications.
These fibers can affect how other medications are absorbed in the intestines or delay their absorption.
Talk to a healthcare provider before starting Citrucel or Metamucil if you take any medications.
Often, constipation occurs due to insufficient fiber and fluid intake.
One study investigated the impact of exercise and diet changes over 12 weeks in people with frequent constipation.
Most of the participants also reported less straining and fewer incomplete bowel movements.
Summary
Citrucel and Metamucil are popular OTC medications used to relieve occasional constipation.
They contain different active ingredients: Citrucel has methylcellulose fiber, while Metamucil contains psyllium fiber.
Citrucel stays intact in the gut to add bulk to stool.
Both options generally produce a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.
you could consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist for professional guidance in choosing a laxative.
Keep the powders dry, away from moisture and humidity.
Metamucil and Citrucel come in various forms and sizes, so the cost varies.
Both products are reasonably affordable, but Citrucel is slightly less expensive.
Citrucel costs about $1.20 per ounce in powder form, while Metamucil costs about $1.50 on average.
Chronic or frequent constipation may indicate a more severe condition, although not always.
In some instances, changes in diet or lack of exercise lead to recurring constipation.
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