Is Metamucil Safe To Take If You Have A Gallstone?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not Metamucil is safe to take if you have gallstones.
I was told to take Metamucil every day after having a constipation issue. An abdominal ultrasound was done and the doctor told me I had a gallstone. Should I continue to take Metamucil after this finding?
Aug 02, 2022- Metamucil is safe to take if you have gallstones and may actually help reduce the risk of gallstone formation. Fiber intake is recommended as part of dietary and lifestyle management for gallstones because it can help reduce bile acid concentrations and promote gallbladder emptying. Your doctor can discuss treatment options with you, which may include medication like ursodiol to help dissolve gallstones over time.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us!
It is safe to continue to take fiber (Metamucil in this case) after having been diagnosed with gallstones.
In fact, fiber intake is part of the dietary and lifestyle recommendations that reduce the risk of gallstone formation in the first place. Studies show that meals low in saturated fats and high in fiber reduce concentrations of bile acids, which can, in turn, reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
Additionally, fiber makes most individuals feel 'fuller' for a longer period of time and regularly spaced meals are thought to decrease and promote emptying of the gallbladder (which, again, reduces the risk of gallstone formation).
What Is Used To Treat Gallstones?
Since we're on the topic of gallstones, I'm sure your doctor has given you an overview of what your treatment and management options are. How you are managed depends on a few factors and what your goals are. Ideally, you want to reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing, clear the stones, and of course, avoid any complications.
Surgery is an option for some people, but many individuals can take a drug by mouth (ursodiol) to help dissolve their gallstones over time. It is important to know however that therapy can take some time, generally at least 6 months.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about what your best treatment options are.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out to us! Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
References & sources
- Combination therapy with oral ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acids: pretreatment computed tomography of the gall bladder improves gall stone dissolution efficacy. — PubMed
- Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment of cholesterol gallstone disease. — PubMed
- An update on the pathogenesis and treatment of cholesterol gallstones. — PubMed
- Dietary predictors of symptom-associated gallstones in middle-aged women. — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Fiber
- A type of carbohydrate found in foods that your body cannot digest, which helps with digestion and can reduce cholesterol levels.
- Gallstones
- Hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile to help digest fats.
- Bile acids
- Substances produced by the liver that help break down and absorb fats in the digestive system.
- Saturated fats
- A type of fat found mainly in animal products that can increase cholesterol and may contribute to gallstone formation.
- Gallbladder
- A small organ beneath the liver that stores bile and releases it to help digest fats.
- Ursodiol
- A medication taken by mouth that helps dissolve gallstones by changing the composition of bile.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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