Welcon Tablet (Polycarbophil Calcium)

Adult dose

This drug should be taken orally with at least 250 mL of water or liquid. For polycarbophil calcium, 1,250 mg should be taken orally 1 to 4 times a day. The recommended initial adult dosage is 1,250 to 2,500 mg per day, with the possibility to increase up to 5,000 mg per day. It should not be taken just before bedtime, and there should be at least 1 hour allowed for digestion before going to bed.

Child dose

This drug should be taken orally with at least 250 mL of water or liquid. For children aged 6 to 12 years, 625 mg of polycarbophil calcium should be taken orally 1 to 3 times a day. For children under 6 years old,

This medication should not be administered to certain patients. It should not be taken by persons who are allergic to this drug or its ingredients, have unexplained rectal bleeding, or are in a severe dehydrated state. Furthermore, patients with conditions that make it difficult to swallow food or are at risk of reflux due to being bedridden, and patients with weakened colonic or defecation functions should avoid use. In cases of acute abdominal diseases, intestinal obstruction, or stenosis, it should not be taken as symptoms may worsen. Patients with hypercalcemia or kidney stones may also worsen if they take this drug. Patients with severe renal failure and those with severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting symptoms should not use this medication. There are also patients for whom caution should be exercised. Persons who need to restrict calcium intake or are taking active vitamin D preparations should be careful due to the risk of hypercalcemia. If taking cardiac glycosides, this medication may enhance the effects of those drugs, so caution is needed. Those with a history of gastric resection or lack of gastric acid may experience reduced effectiveness of this medication. Patients undergoing dialysis or with mild renal failure should be cautious due to the risk of calcium deposition in tissues, and those allergic to the caramel component in this drug should also take care. During the course of taking this medication, allergic reactions may occur, so if skin rashes or itching develop, administration should be immediately discontinued. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal obstruction, blood cell count reduction, liver dysfunction, and other symptoms such as intestinal obstruction, hypercalcemia, swelling, headache, urine abnormalities have been reported; if there are any abnormal symptoms, consult a physician. When taking this drug, it must be swallowed with water, as taking it without water may cause choking in the throat or esophagus. If chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties occur, administration should be immediately stopped and a specialist consulted. This medication is for symptom relief, and if symptoms do not improve after taking for more than 7 days, it should be discontinued and a physician consulted. Careful observation for adverse reactions is necessary during long-term use. When taken with other medications, it is recommended to space them at least 2 hours apart, as this medication may block the absorption of other drugs while remaining in the intestines. Caution is especially needed when taken with tetracycline antibiotics or quinolone antimicrobials as decreased absorption may occur. Concurrent use with active vitamin D preparations may increase the risk of hypercalcemia. Taking with calcium preparations may lead to hypercalcemia due to excessive calcium intake and may decrease the effectiveness of this medication. Caution is also advised when taking with cardiac glycosides due to the risk of arrhythmias, and co-administration with acid secretion inhibitors or antacids may reduce the effectiveness of this medication. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should take this medication only when the benefits outweigh the risks, as its safety has not been established. The safety in children has not been sufficiently demonstrated, so caution is needed. Elderly patients may have reduced renal function and a higher risk of hypercalcemia, requiring dose adjustments. This medication should be kept out of reach of children and stored at room temperature in a dry place. It should be stored in the original container as transferring to another container may degrade the drug's quality; thus, it must be kept tightly closed in its original container.

Serious side effects

Allergic reactions (hives, severe swelling, etc.), chest pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, hypercalcemia, swelling, headache

Mild side effects

• Rash
• itching
• leukopenia
• nausea
• vomiting
• thirst
• abdominal bloating
• diarrhea
• constipation
• abdominal pain

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to prevent air from entering, and it is best kept at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it like this will help maintain its effectiveness over time.

Appearance

Light white film-coated tablet with dark brown spots

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle, 500 tablets/bottle