The period of bearing a baby is often overshadowed by various health problems. But the problem cannot be solved by taking conventional medications, because many drugs are contraindicated for expectant mothers. Let's figure out whether it is possible to take Fitomucil during pregnancy. Indeed, according to the instructions on the packaging, this product is not a medicine, but a dietary supplement, which contains exclusively natural ingredients.
Such a nuisance as constipation can happen to anyone. In ordinary life, this problem is solved by taking a laxative. But it is undesirable for an expectant mother to take medications, especially in the early stages, when the placental barrier protecting the fetus has not yet formed. Let's figure out whether it is possible to take the herbal preparation Fitomucil.
Why do problems occur, and what role does the drug play?
With the onset of pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother begins to work in a new mode. As the period increases, compression of the veins and arteries of the pelvis occurs, as a result of which hemorrhoids develop. However, pathology can occur in the very early stages. If a representative of the fairer sex previously had harbingers of prolapse of nodes, then during pregnancy this will inevitably happen. It is for the prevention of such pathology that it is recommended to use the drug “Fitomucil”.
During pregnancy, severe hormonal changes also occur, which do not go unnoticed for the state of the body and the functioning of various systems. So, if previously there were cyclical changes within a month, now you can forget about it. In the coming months, progesterone becomes the main hormone in a woman’s body. It has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the whole body. The intestines are no exception. The pregnancy hormone relaxes it and inhibits perilstatics. The consequence of this effect is constipation. The drug "Fitomucil" during early pregnancy will help to avoid such developments.
Can Fitomucil be used during pregnancy?
The instructions say that the dietary supplement acts only in the intestines and is not absorbed into the blood. This means there is no systemic effect. This is a significant plus. The instructions do not clearly indicate which group of drugs it belongs to in terms of its effect on the fetus. There is no FDA approval for use in pregnant women.
In the section of the instructions regarding pregnant women, it is written verbatim that the use of Fitomucil during pregnancy is possible only as prescribed by the attending physician. The phrase “...there is no experience of use during pregnancy” is appropriate here.
The manufacturer cannot clearly and confidently say that the drug is safe for pregnant women. The developer company did not apply for verification. Usually it is not carried out for dietary supplements. There are no evidence-based studies. The experience of voluntary use of the drug is not yet extensive. Thus, there are some reviews about the positive and safe use of the drug, but they are not sufficient to talk about a complete early and long-term safe prognosis. So the manufacturer shifts the responsibility to the doctor.
There are two arguments for Fitomucil in favor of taking it by pregnant women - its composition (natural fibers) and the lack of systemic action.
From a medical point of view, this is not enough to safely recommend taking Fitomucil in pregnant women at any time.
On the pharmaceutical market there is a German drug Mucofalk, which has a similar active ingredient (plantain oval seed shells - 3.25 g). According to the American classification of the degree of adverse effects on the fetus, it belongs to a fairly safe category B. Since there is sufficient world experience in using the drug Mucofalk and this drug has been tested in clinical trials on pregnant women, doctors have more confidence in it.
How to use the medicine?
The drug "Fitomucil" during pregnancy in the 1st trimester should be prescribed by a doctor. Of course, the medicine is absolutely harmless. However, doctors do not welcome self-prescriptions. Especially during such a crucial period. It is worth remembering that you are now responsible not only for your well-being, but also for the life and health of your unborn baby.
Depending on the pathology, Fitomucil is taken differently during early pregnancy. The dosage is always selected individually. The dosage regimen and course duration may also differ. So, let’s look at how to use the drug “Fitomucil” during pregnancy in one case or another.
Analogs
Let's divide substitute drugs by functionality:
- For weight loss: “Xenical”, “Ideal”, “Turbo-slim”, “Reduxin”.
- To normalize stool: “Bifidumbacterin”, “Portalak”, “Duphalak”, “Hilak-Forte”, “Normalax”.
“Xenical” is a pharmacological drug whose action is based on preventing the absorption of fats by the body, thus reducing caloric intake and weight loss. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation - this is not a suitable time for losing weight. The child needs all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and diuretics and laxatives remove some of them.
“Ideal” is a herbal preparation with similar functions. The effectiveness is based on the same properties as those of Fitomucil. But the drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation due to the lack of necessary studies.
"Turbo-slim" is a herbal preparation that has a diuretic, laxative, and fat-burning effect. Drinking drinks makes you feel full and reduces the number of calories. A variety of release forms will allow you to choose a product to suit your taste. Skincare cosmetics will complement the effectiveness. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“Reduxin” is a cellulose supplemented with chemicals that reduce appetite, improve mood, and reduce the digestibility of fats. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“Bifidumbacterin” is a live lactic bacteria that is taken immediately before meals in a form dissolved in water. It improves digestion, normalizes microflora, and helps restore inflamed tissues. Approved for use from three months, dissolution in drinks is acceptable, but they should not be warm, but at room temperature - bifidobacteria die in the heat.
"Bifiliz" is a preparation from a wider range of living bacteria. Prescribed to infants for infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it effectively fights pathogenic microflora.
"Portalak" is a lactulose-based drug that requires drinking plenty of water. Can be taken regardless of food intake. It has only laxative properties. Not suitable for lactose intolerance and for children under three years of age.
Duphalac is the same lactulose, but from a different manufacturer. Approved for use from three months, safe during pregnancy and lactation.
"Hilak-Forte" is a drug based on acids that bifidobacteria feed on. It is taken half an hour before meals; it creates a favorable environment for the propagation of the correct microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. It is prescribed even in the presence of inflammatory diseases, but in the presence of persistent constipation it will not have a sufficient laxative effect. Approved for use from three months, safe during pregnancy and lactation.
“Normalax” - consists of dietary fiber, organic acids, flavonoids, iridoid glycoside aucubin and betasitosterol. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.
Analogues of “Fitomucil” are different in composition and functionality, so you should approach the choice carefully.
Instructions
The summary says that before using the medicine you need to prepare a solution. To do this, you can use absolutely any liquid: iced tea, compote, juice, kefir, milk or plain water. It should be noted that the powder should not be diluted in hot foods. They will not affect the composition of the medicine, but you simply will not be able to use it quickly due to the high temperature.
Open one packet of powder and pour the contents into a glass of liquid. After this, stir the substance with a spoon and consume it immediately. Remember that you need to drink the solution before the granules are completely dissolved. After this, take the medicine with one glass of clean water without gas. The maximum effect from taking Fitomucil during pregnancy (you already know how to take and dilute it) will be achieved if it is taken with meals. Doctors also advise drinking the drug in the morning or evening.
Features of taking phytomucil
To normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, phytomucil should be taken in courses of 2-4 sachets per day. You can take the drug for a month, take a break and, if necessary, repeat the course again. How to take phytomucil for weight loss? The dosage remains the same. One packet of the drug should be diluted in half a glass of non-carbonated and non-alcoholic liquid. This could be water, juice, drinking yogurt, etc. What you have to drink will resemble tasteless jelly. This drink must be washed down with a glass of warm water. As a result, the stomach will receive 250-300 ml of liquid and after that you will want to eat too little. By definition, you will not be able to eat a large portion of food. This will be the effect of losing weight.
Nutritionists advise combining phytomucil with a low-calorie diet. Then in a short time you can achieve a significant plumb line. Let it be the Mayo Clinic diet or any low-fat diet. Only this combination of techniques should not be used by people who lead an active lifestyle and work a lot. A lack of calories and the need for a large amount of energy can lead to exhaustion of the body.
To prevent constipation and hemorrhoids
If you know that you have a tendency to develop constipation and prolapse of hemorrhoids, then you should take care of this problem in advance. Don't wait until the difficulties begin. Take the drug from the very first days of pregnancy. Even if at the moment you are not experiencing any difficulties with cleansing your intestines.
Take one sachet daily with breakfast. The course of treatment is from two to four weeks. After this, you need to take a break of 1-2 months and repeat preventive treatment again.
Properties and effects of Fitomucil
A cleansed intestine helps improve the absorption of beneficial components of consumed foods - this promotes weight loss. But not everything is so rosy in the regular use of Fitomucil - its excessive use can lead to deterioration of health.
The properties of Fitomucil as a dietary supplement were previously used only for the mild fight against constipation - this drug prevented the formation of constipation without additional consequences in the form of gas formation and diarrhea. Only after some time the drug began to be used as an effective means for losing weight. But this is not the only beneficial effect of Fitomucil for weight loss. The drug is based on the above components, which contain a large amount of fiber.
Please note: Fiber is an element necessary for weight loss, which helps increase the impact of lactobacilli entering the body. In addition, fiber is necessary for burning fat cells - doctors recommend consuming at least 40 g of fiber per day, which will improve metabolism and normalize intestinal function.
Since fiber is mainly found in vegetables, which a person does not want to consume in the quantity necessary for health, 3 sachets of Fitomucil per day can completely compensate for the daily requirement of healthy dietary fiber.
Other actions of Fitomucil include:
- Use to prevent constipation in the presence of hemorrhoids, cracks in the walls of the intestines or anus, and other diseases when the passage of hard feces is prohibited by doctors.
- Due to fiber and pectin substances, the feeling of hunger is reduced.
- Timely removal of toxins from the body's cells leads to cleansing and improvement of the functioning of internal organs, including the heart and blood vessels.
The benefit of Fitomucil is to strengthen local immunity - the intestines and other organs of the digestive tract. Thanks to the use of the presented dietary supplement, it is possible to prevent the development of diseases in the form of infection, since the required level of bacteria in the intestines is restored. The dietary supplement is not a drug, so you cannot count on it as an effective drug for weight loss. Fitomucil helps in losing weight only if you additionally follow a diet and the basics of proper nutrition.
Video
When the problem worsens
If you still have to deal with an illness that manifests itself in stool retention, anal fissure or prolapse of a hemorrhoid, then you should start treatment as early as possible. In this case, the doctor chooses the course of taking the drug. In some cases, the use of the product may be delayed for the entire period of gestation. In this case, the expectant mother is forced to continuously take the drug “Fitomucil” during pregnancy.
Instructions for using the medicine in this case will be as follows. On the first day of use, you need to use one sachet in the morning. After three days, you can increase the dose to two sachets. Treatment in the second week may include consuming three packs of powder per day. If there is no effect, you can increase the single serving to 4-5 sachets per day.
You can use the drug either as a single dose or by dividing it into portions.
Safety of use in childhood and pregnancy
Pregnant women with minor stool disorders are allowed to take the drug prophylactically. While pregnant, women try to lead a healthy lifestyle for the benefit of the child, but hormonal changes and physiological changes disrupt the normal functioning of systems and organs. Therefore, during such a period, “Fitomucil” will be a very good supplement for keeping the body in good shape, both externally and internally.
View gallery
Reviews of “Fitomucil” confirm the absolute safety of the drug if the instructions are followed. The natural and harmless composition cannot cause any harm even to a sensitive child’s body. In the manufacturer's instructions, the recommended age for use is from three years. For children with problems with daily bowel movements, it is useful and convenient to add the drug to kefir or yogurt every night. This habit will have a very good effect on the child’s health.
If there is a threat of miscarriage
If, according to your indications, you cannot move a lot and need to remain in bed, then you should start using the drug “Fitomucil”. Surely everyone knows that intestinal motility increases with an active lifestyle. However, many pregnant women face the threat of miscarriage in the very early stages. In order not to aggravate the situation by the accumulation of feces and their pressure on the uterus, doctors prescribe this drug.
In this case, the treatment regimen will be as follows. You need to consume two sachets of powder per day with your morning and evening meals. The course is chosen individually and directly depends on the condition of the expectant mother.
Indications for use
What does Fitomucil help with? The powder is prescribed:
- for irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis;
- with an unbalanced and irregular diet;
- for functional constipation and diarrhea caused by dysbacteriosis;
- for the prevention of colon cancer, obesity and cardiovascular diseases;
- with increased cholesterol levels in the blood;
- for type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism;
- with excess weight, sedentary lifestyle;
- to normalize intestinal motility and eliminate constipation during and after pregnancy;
- for hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
By
When should the product not be used in early pregnancy?
The drug contains exclusively natural ingredients. However, there are cases when they can become dangerous to the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
It is worth refusing such treatment if a woman is prone to allergic reactions to plums or plantain seeds. When the expectant mother suffers from inflammatory diseases of the stomach or intestines, it is also necessary to refrain from treatment. If there is an intestinal obstruction, treatment can only worsen the situation. That is why you should not use the product yourself, but should contact a specialist for advice and prescriptions. Always use any medicine with caution, including Fitomucil during pregnancy.
Analogues of the drug
If we consider the active components of the product, then such substitutes do not exist. You can select an analogue only by pharmacological group. Fitomucil is classified as a drug for the treatment of obesity, so the following names are substitutes:
- Goldline, the active substance is the strongest sibutramine, therefore it is prescribed only to adults. It is strictly forbidden for pregnant women to drink capsules.
- Atlant IVA is a fortified product that can saturate with minerals. Affects the normalization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Dietressa is a homeopathic medicine in tablet form. Indicated for the treatment of obesity due to the property of reducing food cravings, which is possible by acting on the hypothalamus of the brain.
If a person needs to get rid of frequent constipation or lose weight, he should consult his doctor, because the cause of such a pathological condition may be a disruption in the functioning of organs. If you thoughtlessly choose and use questionable additives, you can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive tract. In some cases, the problem lies in a completely different place (for example, hormonal changes).
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3y7BTTQ7ZE8%27
Product price
The medicine is relatively inexpensive. This is a definite advantage, given that the composition of the product is exclusively natural. 10 packages of powder will cost you about 250 rubles.
Some pharmacy companies offer to purchase the drug individually. In this case, one bag will cost from 20 to 30 rubles. However, such an acquisition may turn out to be completely unprofitable. The course of treatment is always more than one day, and it is much cheaper to buy a whole package of medicine.
Fitomucil: instructions for use and what it is needed for, price, reviews, analogues
The product has a laxative effect. Fitomucil is quite popular due to its natural composition, but this product is registered as a dietary supplement, not a medicine.
Dosage form
Phytomucil has two forms of release: dry crushed raw materials, which are supplied in a 250 gram jar, as well as single sachets of 5 g of raw material each (10 pieces per package).
Description and composition
Two types of crushed raw materials are used as active ingredients: psyllium husks and plum fruits. The result of their action is the normalization of intestinal motility.
The advantage of the product is its mechanism of action. Unlike many other laxatives, Fitomucil does not irritate the mucous membrane, but increases the volume of feces, which leads to natural emptying.
Both plants in the preparation are characterized by a high content of dietary fiber. Once in the intestines, they absorb water and swell, increasing in size several times. At the same time, they turn into a mucous gel, and after mixing with feces, they soften its consistency. Thanks to this mechanism, the laxative effect is easy and non-traumatic.
Regular use of Fitomucil relieves bloating, flatulence, constipation and a feeling of heaviness. A positive effect is observed not only in relation to the intestines, but also the condition of the skin improves, acne and inflammation decrease, and immunity increases. In addition, all toxins and waste are completely removed from the intestines, which improves its other functions - secretory and absorption of nutrients.
A course of taking a herbal remedy helps restore natural bowel function. At the same time, not only its motor function is improved, but also the balance of microflora is normalized, so Fitomucil is also effective against dysbacteriosis.
One of the additional advantages is the lack of addiction to this dietary supplement. It can be used for a long time without fear of side effects and deterioration in intestinal function.
Pharmacological group
Dietary supplement. Laxative.
Indications for use
for adults
Conditions in which it is necessary to normalize intestinal motor function:
- With an unbalanced or irregular diet.
- Presence of hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
- Excess weight or sedentary lifestyle.
- Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Constipation during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- Prevention of obesity, cardiovascular diseases.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- In a comprehensive allergy treatment regimen.
for children
The product is approved for use in children from the age of three, in accordance with the main indications for use.
for pregnant women and during lactation
Fitomucil can be used during pregnancy for conditions that are accompanied by difficult bowel movements. In addition, it is during pregnancy and the first days after childbirth that women experience difficulty with bowel movements. A product based on herbal ingredients, which has a mild laxative effect, would be the best choice for this category of patients.
Contraindications
Contraindications to taking Fitomucil are:
- Individual intolerance to any component.
- Acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Intestinal obstruction.
Applications and dosages
for adults
The medicine is intended for oral administration. Maximum effectiveness is observed when taken before or after meals. A single dose is 1 sachet or 2 teaspoons of crumbly raw materials. Fitomucil can be taken 1 to 4 times a day. The powder is pre-mixed with 100 ml of non-carbonated liquid. Water, juice, kefir, yogurt are suitable for this. After taking the medicine, you need to drink it with water again.
If the clinical effect is insufficient, the dose of Fitomucil can be increased. This is done gradually, adding 1 sachet or 2 teaspoons per week to the previous amount.
for children
For children over 14 years of age, the drug is prescribed according to the same regimen as for an adult patient (1 sachet up to 4 times a day).
Children from 3 to 11 years old can take 1 sachet once a day. From 11 to 14 years – 1 packet twice a day (morning and evening).
for pregnant women and during lactation
The drug is approved for use in pregnant women. The high safety profile of the drug and the lack of systemic action make it possible to prescribe it in standard dosages for adult patients.
The duration of treatment is determined individually. If constipation occurs as a result of poor diet or climate change, the condition can be normalized within 2 weeks.
Functional constipation requires a longer course and maintenance therapy. Fitomucil will replenish the amount of dietary fiber and fluid, normalize stool, but does not guarantee that the body will cope with the problem on its own after stopping the drug. The maintenance dose is 1 sachet per day for a long time.
In the postpartum period, nursing mothers are also allowed to use this dietary supplement.
Side effects
The official instructions indicate that there are no side effects due to the natural composition of the drug and the lack of systemic action.
Interaction with other drugs
It is recommended to maintain an interval of at least 2 hours between taking Fitomucil and other medications.
special instructions
Despite its natural composition, Fitomucil does not contain senna, which irritates the nerve endings on the intestinal mucosa and gradually becomes addictive.
Fitomucil does not contain sugars, flavorings or dyes, therefore it has a high safety profile and is approved for diabetics, pregnant women and children.
With regular use, it is possible to achieve a good clinical effect, so there is no need for other laxative drugs.
During treatment, it is very important to maintain a drinking regime and consume at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day. Fluid deficiency causes constipation and reduces the effectiveness of Fitomucil.
Overdose
No cases of overdose have been reported.
Storage conditions
Fitomucil does not require special storage conditions. The maximum temperature is 25 degrees.
Analogs
There are many laxatives available on the pharmaceutical market. Some of them are registered as medicines, others are considered dietary supplements. Both groups are popular among patients. Among the analogues of Fitomucil, the following can be distinguished:
- Senadexin. Tablets that also have a herbal composition. The main active ingredient is senna. Its mechanism of action is mechanical irritation of the nerve endings located in the intestinal walls. This leads to a fairly strong laxative effect, but it is dangerous because over time a person becomes addicted. Senadexin is suitable for a one-time or short-term solution to problems with stool retention.
- Duphalac. It is radically different in composition and release form. Duphalac is a ready-to-use syrup. It can be purchased in single-use sticks or a large bottle. As an active ingredient, Duphalac contains lactulose, which is not adsorbed in the intestines, and therefore helps soften stool and facilitate their excretion. In addition, lactulose is a prebiotic and enhances the effect of beneficial microflora, which in the future allows the body to normalize motility naturally. The drug is absolutely safe and suitable for long-term use, including in elderly patients, pregnant women and young children.
- Norgalax. Available in the form of a gel, which is enclosed in a disposable cannula tube. The active ingredient is sodium docusate. The drug not only stimulates the defecation reflex, but also softens the stool, which leads to an easier and non-traumatic process of bowel movement. It is used to obtain a quick effect, which occurs 15 minutes after administration of the product. Not suitable for long-term use.
- Glycerin suppositories. A well-known laxative that is more popular in pediatrics, although it also exists in adult dosages. Glycerin has an irritating effect and reflexively stimulates the process of defecation. The effect comes quickly. It is recommended to use no longer than a week.
- Regulax. It comes in the form of fruit cubes that need to be chewed. Contains senna fruits and leaves as active ingredients. Not approved for use in pregnant women and children under 12 years of age.
The cost of Fitomucil is on average 657 rubles. Prices range from 216 to 1201 rubles.
How does the remedy work in early pregnancy?
Once in the body of the expectant mother, the granules are filled with liquid and increase in size. This is why it is so important to drink more water during treatment. The drug enters the intestines and reacts with feces. The consistency of this formation softens, and the motility of the organ improves.
It is worth noting that, unlike other laxatives, the drug does not affect the pregnant uterus. How quickly does the medicine “Fitomucil” act during pregnancy? The positive effect becomes noticeable the next day. It is expressed in a gentle cleansing of the intestines without the formation of gases and flatulence.
Cleanse your body correctly and as comfortably as possible. Have an easy pregnancy!
Composition and release form
Phytomucil is a biologically active food supplement consisting of natural ingredients: psyllium husk and plum fruit.
Psyllium seed husks, entering the intestinal lumen, retain water, which increases the volume of feces and softens them. Plum fruits have a mild astringent and laxative effect due to the proteins they contain. In addition, this component has an antiseptic effect and stimulates intestinal activity. The natural components that make up Fitomucil have a weak diuretic effect. In addition to the properties listed above, plum fruits promote the growth and reproduction of beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing the microflora in it. This property helps improve the exchange of bile acids, which restores normal levels of glucose and cholesterol in the blood.
Fitomucil should not be taken during pregnancy without the prescription and supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist, since this drug has contraindications and can cause side effects.
Fitomucil during pregnancy has the following indications for use:
- constipation;
- diarrhea caused by a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria;
- diverticulosis (protrusions in the intestinal wall);
- haemorrhoids;
- anal fissures.