Isapgel contains the active ingredient ispaghula husk in the form of granules which, when dispersed in water, make an orange flavoured drink. Ispaghula husk is a type of natural fibre that belongs to a group of medicines known as bulk-forming laxatives. It works by increasing the bulk of your stools, which encourages your bowels to move these stools through your digestive system, which in turn relieves constipation. Ispagel Orange is recommended wherever increased fibre is needed in your diet to help relieve constipation – this includes constipation during pregnancy. It is also recommended to help maintain a normal bowel function among patients suffering from any of the following conditions:

• irritable bowel syndrome • colostomy or ileostomy • haemorrhoids (piles) • anal fissure • persistent diarrhoea associated with diverticular disease • ulcerative colitis.

 How to take Ispagel

 Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. How to prepare Ispagel Orange drink: Put the contents of the sachet into an empty glass. Add 150ml of cold water. Stir briskly for 3-5 seconds. Drink straight away, preferably after meals.

The recommended dose is: Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: One sachet Ispagel Orange in the morning and evening or as prescribed by your doctor.

Children aged 12 years and under: Ispagel Orange should not be used in children aged 12 years and under. Other pharmaceutical forms may be more appropriate for administration to this population. Do not take Ispagel Orange without water. If there has been no bowel movement after three days of treatment, consult your doctor.

side effects.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you get any of the following side effects you should stop taking Ispagel Orange and contact your doctor, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction to the medicine: • a skin rash resembling hives (itchy, raised swollen areas on the skin) or nettle rash • itchy or runny nose • shortness of breath • inflammation of the membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctivitis).