What is it?

Celevac is a tablet of methylcellulose (a plant fibre), which absorb water and swell into a soft gel.

What is it used for?

It is used as a 'bulking' agent in the treatment of diarrhoea or constipation often associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

How do I take it?

Tablets are usually chewed and swallowed with varying amounts of water depending on usage for constipation or diarrhoea:

a) Constipation

3-6 tablets twice daily with a large amount of liquid (at least 300 ml). This forms a soft bulk in the bowel which is easy to pass. The dose can be reduced when normal bowel movements occur.

b) Diarrhoea

3-6 tablets taken twice daily with minimal liquid (i.e. enough to swallow the tablets with). Liquid should be avoided for half an hour before and after each dose. The dose can be adjusted to give the motions the required consistency.

It may be used in the same way to keep control of colostomies and ileostomies

Control of colostomy and ileostomy is as above.

Are there any precautions?

You should not take Celevac if you have a narrowing of the bowel which may obstruct with treatment.

Are there any side effects?

There are no reported side effects from taking Celevac, but abdominal swelling may occur if levels build up in the bowel due to overdosing.