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Overview: Calcium polycarbophil is used for occasional constipation. Common side effects include gas, stomach discomfort (such as feeling full), or cramping. If you do not take calcium polycarbophil with enough water, it can cause you to choke. You should drink at least 8 ounces of water or other liquid with each dose of calcium polycarbophil. It is available as a tablet that is swallowed or a tablet that is chewed and swallowed.

Uses

What is calcium polycarbophil used for?

Calcium polycarbophil is commonly used for occasional constipation and irregularity.

Calcium polycarbophil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does calcium polycarbophil work (mechanism of action)?

Calcium polycarbophil is a type of fiber (bulking) laxative. It helps your stool (poop) hold more water and makes it bulkier and softer. This helps stool pass more easily.

How is calcium polycarbophil supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Equalactin
  • FiberCon
  • Fiber-Lax
  • Fibernorm
  • Mitrolan

Dosage forms and strengths

Calcium polycarbophil, also known as polycarbophil, is available in various strengths and dosage forms, such as a tablet that is swallowed or a tablet that is chewed and swallowed.

How should I store calcium polycarbophil?

Calcium polycarbophil should generally be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products may be able to be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Follow the instructions on the product you are using. Store in a cool, dry place, and protect it from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of calcium polycarbophil?

The most common side effects of calcium polycarbophil are gas and stomach discomfort (such as feeling full) or cramping. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of calcium polycarbophil that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 calcium polycarbophil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of calcium polycarbophil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Calcium polycarbophil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking calcium polycarbophil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Choking. Taking calcium polycarbophil without enough fluid may cause it to swell up and block your throat or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). This could cause choking. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, vomiting, or trouble swallowing or breathing after taking calcium polycarbophil.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use calcium polycarbophil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take calcium polycarbophil.

  • Calcium polycarbophil
  • Equalactin
  • FiberCon
  • Fiber-Lax
  • Fibernorm
  • Mitrolan
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific calcium polycarbophil products they stock.

Trouble Swallowing. Do not take calcium polycarbophil if you have trouble swallowing or if you have narrowing of your esophagus. You must swallow calcium polycarbophil, and the medicine may swell and make swallowing more difficult.

Symptoms of a Serious Stomach Problem. Calcium polycarbophil should not be taken without talking with your health care provider first if you have symptoms of a serious stomach problem. This can include symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, blood in your poop, or a sudden change in pooping habits that lasts for two weeks or longer.

What should I know about calcium polycarbophil before using it?

There are multiple calcium polycarbophil products available, and they may be taken in different ways. Read and follow the directions on the product label or take calcium polycarbophil as directed by your health care provider.

If you have not taken calcium polycarbophil before, you should usually start at a low dose and slowly increase the dose, as needed. This can help your body adjust to the increased fiber intake. Your dose may vary based on your diet, physical activity, symptoms, and if you have used any laxatives in the past. 

Keep calcium polycarbophil out of the reach of children.

Take calcium polycarbophil with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or another fluid. Taking it without enough liquid may cause choking. See the Side Effects section for more details. 

If you are taking calcium polycarbophil chewable tablets, be sure to chew them well before swallowing them. They should not be swallowed whole. 

After taking calcium polycarbophil, it is normal to poop in about 12 to 72 hours. It is common to need to take calcium polycarbophil for between one and three days to see the most benefit from taking it.

Stop taking calcium polycarbophil and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool (poop)
  • Constipation that lasts for seven days or longer
  • You do not poop after taking the medicine

Calcium polycarbophil may affect how well other medicines work. If you take any other medicines by mouth, you should usually separate them from calcium polycarbophil. In general, take calcium polycarbophil at least two hours before or two hours after your other medicines. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

What should I tell my health care provider before using calcium polycarbophil?

Tell your health care 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 know if calcium polycarbophil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Sudden change in pooping habits that lasts for two weeks or longer
  • Constipation that lasts for more than one week
  • Trouble swallowing

Other Medicines and Supplements. Calcium polycarbophil may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking calcium polycarbophil, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take calcium polycarbophil while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take calcium polycarbophil while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does calcium polycarbophil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between calcium polycarbophil and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between calcium polycarbophil and alcohol. It is possible that alcohol may worsen constipation.

Does calcium polycarbophil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Calcium polycarbophil may affect the absorption of many other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much calcium polycarbophil?

If you or someone else has used too much calcium polycarbophil, 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 calcium polycarbophil?

Calcium polycarbophil is usually meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the product instructions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.