Mitrolan

Mitrolan [mi-trol´an]

trademark for a preparation of calcium polycarbophil, a bulk laxative.

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calcium polycarbophil

Equalactin, FiberCon, Fiber-Lax, FiberNorm, Konsyl, Mitrolan

Pharmacologic class: Bulk-forming agent

Therapeutic class: Laxative

Pregnancy risk category NR

Action

Absorbs water, thereby expanding and increasing bulk and moisture content of stool; increased bulk promotes peristalsis and bowel movement.

Availability

Tablets: 500 mg

Tablets (chewable): 500 mg, 1,250 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Constipation

Adults and children ages 12 and older: 1 g P.O. q.i.d. as needed. Maximum dosage is 6 g daily.

Children ages 7 to 12: 500 mg P.O. one to three times daily as needed. Maximum dosage is 3 g daily.

Children ages 3 to 6: 500 mg P.O. b.i.d. as needed. Maximum dosage is 1.5 g daily.

➣ Diarrhea; irritable bowel syndrome

Adults and children ages 12 and older: 1 g P.O. q.i.d. as needed. Maximum dosage is 6 g daily.

Children ages 7 to 12: 500 mg P.O. one to three times daily as needed. Maximum dosage is 3 g in a 24-hour period.

Children ages 3 to 6: 500 mg P.O. b.i.d. as needed. Maximum dosage is 1.5 g daily.

Contraindications

• GI obstruction
• Difficulty swallowing

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children.

Administration

• Give with at least 8 oz of water or other fluid.
• Administer at least 2 hours before or after other drugs.
• Make sure patient maintains adequate fluid intake.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	12-24 hr	3 days	Variable

Adverse reactions

CV: chest pain

GI: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, rectal bleeding, intestinal obstruction

Respiratory: difficulty breathing

Other: laxative dependence

Interactions

Drug-drug. Tetracyclines: impaired tetracycline absorption

Drug-herbs. Lily of the valley, pheasant's eye, squill: increased risk of adverse drug reactions

Patient monitoring

☞ Monitor patient for difficulty breathing and signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction.
• Assess for rectal bleeding and for failure to respond to drug.
• Monitor fluid intake and output, and assess hydration status regularly.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to take each dose with at least 8 oz of water or other fluid.
• Advise patient to space doses at least 2 hours apart from other drugs.
☞ Urge patient to seek immediate medical attention if he experiences chest pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or rectal bleeding.
• Advise patient to tell prescriber if he's taking other drugs or if he has abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and herbs mentioned above.