What is it?
Celevac is a tablet of methylcellulose (a plant fibre), which absorb
water and swell into a soft gel.
What is it used for?
It is used as a 'bulking' agent in the treatment of diarrhoea or constipation
often associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
How do I take it?
Tablets are usually chewed and swallowed with varying amounts of water
depending on usage for constipation or diarrhoea:
a) Constipation
3-6 tablets twice daily with a large amount of liquid (at least 300
ml). This forms a soft bulk in the bowel which is easy to pass. The dose
can be reduced when normal bowel movements occur.
b) Diarrhoea
3-6 tablets taken twice daily with minimal liquid (i.e. enough to swallow
the tablets with). Liquid should be avoided for half an hour before and after each dose. The dose can be adjusted to give the motions the required
consistency.
It may be used in the same way to keep control of colostomies and ileostomies
Control of colostomy and ileostomy is as above.
Are there any precautions?
You should not take Celevac if you have a narrowing of the bowel which
may obstruct with treatment.
Are there any side effects?
There are
no reported side effects from taking Celevac, but abdominal swelling
may occur if levels build up in the bowel due to overdosing.
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