Carfil Tablets (Polycarbophil Calcium)

Adult dose

For polycarbophil calcium, administer 1,250 mg orally 1 to 4 times a day. The recommended initial adult dosage is 1,250 to 2,500 mg per day, with a possibility of increasing up to 5,000 mg per day. This medication shows results within 12 to 72 hours. It should not be taken just before bedtime and must be taken at least 1 hour after digestion before going to bed.

Child dose

For polycarbophil calcium, administer 625 mg orally 1 to 3 times a day. Children under 6 years should consult a physician.

This medication should not be used in certain patients. For example, those allergic to this medication or its components, or those with rectal bleeding of unknown cause should avoid taking it. Additionally, patients with symptoms of severe dehydration, difficulty swallowing, those who must remain lying down, or those with colon or bowel function issues should not take this medication. Patients with acute abdominal disease, bowel obstruction, hypercalcemia, kidney stones, or severe renal failure should also not receive this medication, and those with severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting should avoid it. This medication should be used cautiously in individuals who need to limit calcium intake, those taking active vitamin D preparations, those using cardiac glycosides, individuals with a history of gastric surgery or low stomach acid, and those undergoing dialysis or with mild kidney failure. During treatment, adverse reactions such as allergic reactions (rash, itching), leukopenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes, hypercalcemia, edema, and headaches may occur, so patients should consult a physician immediately if symptoms occur. Taking this medication without sufficient water may pose a risk of choking or obstruction in the throat or esophagus, so it must be taken with water. If chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties occur, use should be discontinued immediately and medical advice sought. This medication is a symptom-relieving treatment. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days of use, patients should discontinue use and consult a specialist. Long-term use should be closely monitored for any unusual symptoms. When taken with other medications, this medication may interfere with the absorption of other drugs by remaining in the intestinal tract, so it is advisable to take it at least 2 hours apart. Caution should be taken especially when used with tetracycline antibiotics or quinolone antibacterial agents. When combined with active vitamin D preparations or calcium supplements, there is a risk of hypercalcemia, so caution is needed. Furthermore, taking it with cardiac glycosides may lead to cardiac side effects such as arrhythmias, so medical advice is recommended. Taking it with acid-suppressive medications may reduce the effects of this medication, so it is advisable to consult a specialist if such medications are being used. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should use this medication cautiously only when absolutely necessary, and safety for children has not been fully established. Elderly patients may have reduced kidney function and a higher risk of hypercalcemia, so careful dose adjustment is necessary. Lastly, this medication should be stored out of the reach of children, in a tightly sealed container to prevent air and moisture exposure, and kept at room temperature (between 1°C and 30°C) in its original container; transferring it to another container is discouraged.

Serious side effects

• Rash
• severe swelling (edema)
• chest tightness
• difficulty breathing
• hypercalcemia
• edema
• headache

Mild side effects

• Rash
• itching
• leukopenia
• nausea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• abdominal distension
• diarrhea
• constipation
• abdominal pain

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent air and moisture exposure, preferably at room temperature between 1°C and 30°C. Proper storage will help maintain the medication's effectiveness.

Appearance

White oval film-coated tablets

Package unit

500 tablets/bottle, 30 tablets/bottle