Polycarbophil

Identification

Generic Name
Polycarbophil
DrugBank Accession Number
DB09311
Background

Polycarbophil calcium is a synthetic polymer manufactured from the cross-linking of polyacrylic acid with divinyl glycol and a calcium counter-ion. Polycarbophil calcium is a stool stabilizer used to treat constipation. This drug may also be used to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea. Less gas and bloating compared to psyllium laxative products, but can cause heartburn, and belly cramps. It is insoluble in water, dilute acids, and dilute alkali. The material possesses exceptionally high water-binding capacity. is not absorbed, does not interfere with the activity of digestive enzymes or intestinal absorption, possesses satisfactory stability, is physiologically inert, and does not cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Experimental
Synonyms
  • Policarbofila
  • Polycarbofil
  • Polycarbophil
  • Polycarbophile
  • Polycarbophilum
External IDs
  • WL 140
  • WL-140

Pharmacology

Indication

Polycarbophil is used to treat constipation and to help maintain regular bowel movements.

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Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Relieves constipation or diarrhea associated with bowel disorders and acute nonspecific diarrhea.

Mechanism of action

It is known as a bulk-forming laxative. It increases the bulk in the stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

Absorption

Calcium polycarbophil is not absorbed from the intestine.

Volume of distribution

Calcium polycarbophil is not absorbed from the intestine.

Protein binding

Calcium polycarbophil is not absorbed from the intestine.

Metabolism

Polycarrbophil calcium is not metabolized and has limited hydrophilic activity in acidic environments.

Route of elimination

Excreted in feces.

Half-life

Calcium polycarbophil is not absorbed from the intestine.

Clearance

Calcium polycarbophil is not absorbed from the intestine.

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

The LD50 of calcium polycarbophil in young adult rats approximated 20 g/kg.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
DrugInteraction
AcetazolamideThe risk or severity of dehydration can be increased when Acetazolamide is combined with Polycarbophil.
AclidiniumThe therapeutic efficacy of Polycarbophil can be decreased when used in combination with Aclidinium.
AlfentanilThe therapeutic efficacy of Polycarbophil can be decreased when used in combination with Alfentanil.
AlloinThe risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Polycarbophil is combined with Alloin.
AmantadineThe therapeutic efficacy of Polycarbophil can be decreased when used in combination with Amantadine.
Food Interactions
Not Available

Products

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International/Other Brands
Fibercon / Mitrolan

Categories

Drug Categories
Classification
Not classified
Affected organisms
  • Humans and other mammals

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
W25LM17A4W
CAS number
9003-97-8

References

General References
  1. Danhof IE: Pharmacology, toxicology, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of calcium polycarbophil, an enteral hydrosorptive agent. Pharmacotherapy. 1982 Jan-Feb;2(1):18-28. [Article]
  2. Monograph [Link]
  3. webmd [Link]
KEGG Drug
D03306
PubChem Substance
347910435
Wikipedia
Polycarbophil_calcium

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
2RecruitingSupportive CareFemale Breast Cancer / Long-Term Survivors / Postmenopausal Syndrome / Vulvo Vaginal Atrophy1
Not AvailableCompletedTreatmentType 2 Diabetes Mellitus1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
Tablet
Tablet, chewableOral
Granule34.72 %
Tablet625 MG
Tablet, chewableOral625 MG
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Solid
Experimental Properties
Not Available
Predicted Properties
Not Available
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
Not Available
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Not Available

Drug created at November 16, 2015 21:57 / Updated at March 18, 2024 16:48