Carbomil Tablets (Polycarbophil Calcium)

Adult dose

This medication should be taken orally with at least 250 mL of water or another liquid. Administer 1,250 mg of Polycarbophil Calcium once, 1 to 4 times per day. The recommended initial adult dosage is 1,250 to 2,500 mg per day and can be increased up to 5,000 mg per day. It should not be taken right before bedtime, and a minimum of 1 hour should be allowed for digestion before going to sleep.

Child dose

For children (ages 6 to 12), administer Polycarbophil Calcium 625 mg orally once, 1 to 3 times per day. Children under 6 years old should consult a doctor.

This medication should not be used by certain patients. For example, individuals with known allergies to this medication or its components should avoid it. Those experiencing unexplained rectal bleeding should also refrain from using this medication. Patients with severe dehydration may be at risk when taking this drug. In addition, those with conditions that make swallowing food difficult, such as hernias or esophageal conditions, should not take this medication. Caution is advised for individuals who need to lie down or are at risk of aspiration. Patients with weakened colonic or bowel functions are also advised to avoid this medication, and it should not be used in cases of acute abdominal diseases, as it may exacerbate symptoms. Those with intestinal obstruction or strictures may also find their symptoms worsen with this medication. Patients with hypercalcemia or kidney stones might encounter issues when taking this drug. It is recommended that patients with severe renal impairment do not use this medication. Caution is necessary in cases of severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Patients needing to limit calcium intake or those undergoing treatment with active forms of vitamin D should use this medication with care. Patients on cardiotonic glucosides may need to take this medication with caution. Those who have low gastric acid secretion or who have undergone gastric surgery may not achieve optimal effects with this medication. Patients currently on dialysis or with slightly impaired renal function should also use this medication cautiously, as there may be a risk of calcium deposition in tissues. Taking this medication may lead to allergic reactions such as rash or itching; if these symptoms arise, administration should be immediately discontinued. There may be a decrease in blood cell counts or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Liver function test values might increase, and in rare cases, symptoms such as intestinal obstruction, edema, headache, hematuria, proteinuria, elevated LDH, elevated γ-GTP, elevated ALP, or increased total bilirubin might occur. Long-term users should monitor for adverse reactions carefully. Taking this medication without sufficient water may result in choking or blockage in the throat or esophagus, possibly leading to suffocation. If chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties occur after administration, discontinue use immediately and consult healthcare personnel. This medication is a symptomatic relief treatment; thus, if symptoms do not improve after more than 7 days of use, stop taking it and consult a doctor. When taken with other medications, it is advisable to wait at least 2 hours between taking this medication and others, as this medication may interfere with the absorption of other drugs while it remains in the intestinal tract. Special attention should be given when taking it with tetracycline antibiotics or quinolone antibiotics, as absorption may be decreased. Taking active forms of vitamin D alongside it may lead to excessively high calcium levels in the blood. When used in conjunction with other calcium supplements, one must consider the potential for excess calcium intake and diminished efficacy of this medication. Using it with cardiotonic glucosides may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Concurrent use with acid secretion inhibitors or antacids may also reduce the effectiveness of this medication. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should only take this medication if the benefits are deemed greater than the risks, as its safety has not been established. Safety in pediatric patients has also not been adequately confirmed. Elderly patients should adjust dosages carefully due to the risk of decreased renal function and the likelihood of hypercalcemia.

Serious side effects

• Hives due to hypersensitivity, severe swelling (edema)
• Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, paleness
• Severe swelling or urinary abnormalities due to hypercalcemia
• Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Liver abnormalities (jaundice) are not explicitly stated, but elevations in AST and ALT may indicate possible liver dysfunction
• Immediate discontinuation and consultation with a healthcare facility is necessary if severe allergic reactions or respiratory problems occur.

Mild side effects

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

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent air intrusion, ideally at room temperature between 1 °C and 30 °C. Proper storage will help maintain the drug's efficacy for a longer duration.

Appearance

White oblong film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 500 tablets/bottle