Equalactin

Generic name: polycarbophil
Brand names: Equalactin, Fiber Lax, FiberCon, Fiberlax, Fibertab, Konsyl Fiber
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Equalactin?

Equalactin is a prescription medicine that is used to treat constipation. It is used to treat diarrhea. Equalactin is also used to raise fiber in the diet.

Before taking Equalactin, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Equalactin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have trouble swallowing.
If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, belly pain, upset stomach, rectal bleeding, throwing up, or change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Equalactin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Equalactin?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Equalactin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Be sure to take Equalactin with plenty of fluids. If you do not, Equalactin may swell and block your throat. This could lead to choking. Talk with your doctor.
This medicine prevents many other drugs from getting into the body. If you take other drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need to take them at some other time than Equalactin.
Do not use Equalactin for more than 1 week unless told to do so by your doctor.
If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using Equalactin, talk with your doctor.
Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Equalactin while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Equalactin best taken?

Use Equalactin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with a full glass of water.
Chew well before swallowing.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you take Equalactin on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Many times Equalactin is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are the side effects of Equalactin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pain or pressure.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Trouble swallowing.
Trouble breathing.
Belly pain.

What are some other side effects of Equalactin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Equalactin?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.