Polycroll Tablets (Polycarbophil Calcium)

Adult dose

Polycarbophil calcium: 1,250 mg once, orally 1 to 4 times a day. The recommended initial dose for adults is 1,250 to 2,500 mg daily, with an increase possible up to 5,000 mg daily. This medication shows effects within 12 to 72 hours. It should not be taken right before bedtime; wait at least 1 hour after digestion before going to sleep.

Child dose

Polycarbophil calcium: 625 mg once, orally 1 to 3 times a day. Consult a doctor for children under 6 years old.

This medication should not be used in certain patients. For instance, it should not be administered to patients who have an allergy to this drug or its ingredients, patients with unexplained rectal bleeding, patients with severe dehydration, or those with diseases that make swallowing difficult, bedridden patients, patients with weak colonic or bowel function, those with acute abdominal conditions, and patients with bowel obstruction or strictures. Patients with hypercalcemia or kidney stones, patients with severe renal failure, and patients experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting should also avoid this medication. Due to the calcium content, this medication poses a risk of hypercalcemia; therefore, patients who need to limit calcium intake or who are taking active forms of vitamin D should use it cautiously. Patients on cardiac glycosides that could affect the heart should also be cautious. Patients suspected of having achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria, those who have undergone gastric resection, and patients with renal failure but not on dialysis should also use this medication carefully. Taking this medication may result in allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain may occur. Liver function test values may rise, and blood cell counts may decrease. Other reported abnormal symptoms include bowel obstruction, edema, headache, hematuria, proteinuria, elevated LDH, raised γ-GTP, elevated ALP, and increased total bilirubin. This medication should be taken with plenty of water to avoid discomfort or choking risk in the throat or esophagus. If chest pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties occur after taking it, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor or pharmacist. This medication is a symptomatic relief treatment; if symptoms do not improve after about 7 days, treatment should be stopped, and a specialist should be consulted. Long-term use requires careful monitoring of side effects. When taken with other medications, it is recommended to take them at least 2 hours apart since this medication may reduce the absorption of other drugs remaining in the intestine. Caution is especially warranted when taken with tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics due to potential absorption reductions. Co-administration with active forms of vitamin D may increase the risk of hypercalcemia. Using with calcium-containing medications may increase the risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of this medication. There is an increased risk of side effects such as arrhythmias when taken with cardiac glycosides. Additionally, taking with acid-reducing drugs may diminish the effectiveness of this medication. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should use this medication only when the benefits outweigh the risks, as its safety is not well established. The safety in children has not been sufficiently confirmed, thus caution is warranted in their use. Elderly individuals may experience a higher likelihood of hypercalcemia due to decreased kidney function, requiring dose adjustments. This medication should be stored out of reach of children, in a sealed container in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Transferring to another container may pose risks of decreased quality or misuse.

Serious side effects

• Bowel obstruction
• severe edema
• hypercalcemia

Mild side effects

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

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent air from entering, and it is best kept at a temperature ranging from 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Proper storage helps maintain the drug's effectiveness.

Appearance

White oblong film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 500 tablets/bottle