Herbal medicinal product

What is Metamucil N Mite and when is it used?

Metamucil N Mite is a herbal stool regulator made from Plantaginis ovatae seed coats. Metamucil N Mite swells when it absorbs water and thus increases the volume of the stool in the intestine. This stimulates the intestinal activity in a natural way. In addition, Metamucil N Mite gives the intestinal contents a soft and supple texture. This also promotes and facilitates elimination. Metamucil N Mite is suitable for regulating stool in the event of constipation, with a tendency to constipation, to facilitate bowel movements in the case of haemorrhoids and after surgical interventions, during pregnancy and childbirth, when confined to bed and during convalescence.

If Metamucil N Mite is taken half an hour before meals, the appetite will be reduced.

What should be considered?

If you suffer from constipation, you should eat fiber-rich food (vegetables, fruit, wholemeal bread) and drink plenty of fluids regularly physical activity (sport).

When should Metamucil N Mite not be used or only with caution?

Metamucil N Mite should not be used if you are hypersensitive to psyllium husk or psyllium husk powder or to other ingredients (see also «What is in Metamucil N Mite?» and «How do you use Metamucil N Mite?»).

Metamucil N Mite should not be used by children under 6 years of age. Metamucil N Mite must not be taken if you have a diaphragmatic hernia (hiatus hernia), narrowing of the esophagus, changed bowel habits that last longer than 2 weeks, intestinal obstruction (ileus), intestinal narrowing (stenosis), intestinal paralysis (paralysis), excessive hardening of the stool (faecal stones) and abdominal pain unknown cause.

Metamucil N Mite must not be taken in the event of unexplained bleeding from the intestines or if no laxative effect has repeatedly occurred after ingestion.

In the case of chronic constipation, it is advisable to see a doctor. If the powder is inhaled repeatedly, Metamucil N Mite can, in rare cases, cause allergic reactions, including those of the respiratory tract, in people who are sensitive to it.

Medical or nursing staff who have been preparing products containing psyllium husk powder for patients to ingest over a long period of time may have become and may become sensitized to these products due to prolonged inhalation of powder, particularly if they are allergic react allergic. If allergic symptoms occur (listed under «What side effects can Metamucil N Mite have?»), the product must no longer be used or prepared with immediate effect.

Patients who are hypersensitive to azo dyes, acetylsalicylic acid and rheumatism and painkillers (prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors) should not use Metamucil N Mite.

Metamucil N Mite should only be taken by diabetics under medical supervision because the blood sugar levels may change (see also "What does Metamucil N Mite contain?"). Patients with simultaneous thyroid hormone therapy should only take Metamucil N Mite under medical supervision.

The absorption of medicines taken at the same time, e.g. digitalis preparations, preparations for blood thinning, those for seizure disorders or depression as well as minerals or vitamins can be impaired by taking them at the same time as Metamucil N Mite, which is why an interval of at least 1 hour is required when taking them.

Tell your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you:

• suffer from other illnesses
• have allergies or
• take other medicines (including those you bought yourself!) or use them externally.

Can Metamucil N Mite be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

If necessary, Metamucil N Mite can also be taken during pregnancy and while breastfeeding if a change in diet is not possible was successful.

As a precaution, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding or ask your doctor, pharmacist (or druggist) for advice.

How do you use Metamucil N Mite?

Adults: 1 heaped teaspoon (approx. 5.8 g) (children from 6 years: 1⁄2 teaspoon), or 1 sachet of 5.8 g (children over 6 years: 1/2 sachet), take 1-3 times a day before or after meals and with plenty of liquid. For each dose, fill a large glass with cold water, add powder, stir and drink immediately. It is possible to use fruit juices, other table drinks or milk. Whenever possible, a second glass of liquid should be drunk.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor.

If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

When preparing the product for ingestion, it is important to avoid inhaling the powder to minimize the risk of developing an allergy to the ingredients.

What side effects can Metamucil N Mite have?

The following side effects can occur when taking Metamucil N Mite:

Occasional bloating (flatulence) and a feeling of fullness, especially at the beginning of the treatment. The swelling can cause abdominal distension and narrowing of the esophagus or stool retention, especially if the fluid intake is too low.

Other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort or pain have been reported in isolated cases.

Psyllium husks contain allergenic substances. Allergic reactions may occur when ingesting the product, coming into contact with the skin or inhaling the powder.

Allergic reactions include a runny nose, reddening of the conjunctiva, difficulty breathing (bronchospasm), skin reactions, itching, and sometimes anaphylaxis (a sudden, generalized allergic reaction that which can lead to life-threatening shock). People who routinely prepare powder formulations (e.g. as carers) have an increased risk of these reactions due to frequent contact with the powder (see also «When should Metamucil N Mite not be used or should only be used with caution?»).

If you notice side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What else needs to be considered?

Delayed absorption can occur if other medicines are administered at the same time. Therefore, before using Metamucil N Mite, a gap of half an hour to one hour should be observed after taking other medicines.

It is extremely important to drink enough fluids to bring the hardened stool mass to a normal moisture level.

If you have difficulty swallowing, the preparation should only be used after consultation with your doctor.

It is not advisable to take it just before bedtime.

This product contains aspartame. Persons with phenylketonuria should take this into account.

If your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked «EXP» on the container. Store at room temperature (15-25°C) and dry; Keep out of reach of children.

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information.

What does Metamucil N Mite contain?

1 g of Metamucil N Mite contains 0.56 g of Plantaginis ovatae seed coat powder.

1 sachet of 5.8 g Metamucil N Mite contains 3.26 g powder from Plantaginis ovatae seed coats.

This preparation also contains maltodextrin, the sweetener aspartame, the coloring agent yellow orange (E 110) as well as flavorings and other additives.

For diabetics: 1 heaped teaspoon of Metamucil N Mite contains 1.9 g of usable carbohydrates.

1 sachet of Metamucil N Mite contains 1.9 g of usable carbohydrates.

Approval number

55'112 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get Metamucil N Mite? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores without a doctor's prescription.

Metamucil N Mite powder: 283 g doses.

Metamucil N Mite, sachets (5.8 g each): 30 sachets.

Authorization holder

Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Lancy.

Domicile: 1213 Petit-Lancy.

This leaflet was last checked by the drug authority (Swissmedic) in January 2015.