Hefny AF, Ayad AZ, Matev N, Bashir MO. Intestinal obstruction caused by a laxative drug (Psyllium): A case report and review of the literature.
Int J Surg Case Rep 2018;
52:59-62. [PMID:
30321826 PMCID:
PMC6197948 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijscr.2018.10.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Elderly patients receiving psyllium for treatment of constipation must drink a good amount of fluid.
It is advisable to avoid bulk laxative treatment in presence of organic bowel obstruction or ileus.
Oral contrast materials that contain Psyllium can cause bowel obstruction in some patients.
Introduction
Psyllium in granular dosage form is used as an over – the counter safe laxative drug. It has a considerable hygroscopic propriety which allows it to retain water and expands rapidly to become many times of its original size.
Presentation of the case
21-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department complaining of lower abdominal pain and constipation for five days. He was discharged home on Psyllium for treatment of the constipation. Two days later, he returned to the Emergency Department complaining of increased abdominal distension without passing any stools. The patient was diagnosed to have an incomplete intestinal obstruction resulting from ingesting Psyllium husks without adequate amount of fluids. The patient was treated conservatively.
Discussion
Psyllium has a reputation of being safe and effective medication for patients suffering from chronic constipation, especially in elderly. The patient who ingested Psyllium husks as a herbal medication did not receive adequate amount of fluids. Consequently, he developed intestinal obstruction.
Similar cases have been reported in the English literature including cases of esophageal obstruction in elderly patients and following gastric banding operations. Furthermore, Psyllium administration with oral contrast in computed tomography enterography may precipitate bowel obstruction in the presence of organic obstruction or post-operative ileus.
Conclusion
Psyllium can worsen the constipation if not taken appropriately. It is important to instruct patients who are receiving psyllium ingredients to drink a good amount of fluids to avoid the development of bowel obstruction especially in long-term use of such laxatives.
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