You may turn to over-the-counter fiber supplements like Benefiber or Metamucil to relieve constipation. While these work similarly, they also have differences.
Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements per week. You may strain during your bowel movements and have difficulty passing hard, dry stools.
Learn about Benefiber vs. Metamucil to see which might work best for you.
Benefiber and Metamucil work in the same way. They absorb water from your intestines to form softer, bulkier stools.
These stools flow more easily through your digestive system, which helps you have easier bowel movements. These supplements also increase how often you have bowel movements.
In addition to treating constipation, Metamucil may help lower your cholesterol levels and manage your blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes. Benefiber, on the other hand, is not approved for these uses.
Fiber can also decrease your appetite by making you feel fuller for longer. However, these fiber supplements do not appear to help with weight loss directly.
The charts below describe other similarities and differences between Benefiber and Metamucil.
Active ingredient
| Active ingredient | Benefiber | Metamucil |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat dextrin | x | |
| Psyllium husk powder | x |
What it treats
| Symptoms treated | Benefiber | Metamucil |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | x | x |
| High cholesterol | x |
You can take Benefiber or Metamucil up to three times per day, but you should increase how often you take it slowly. Start by taking it once each day.
You can gradually increase your intake to 3 times daily over the course of 1 to 2 weeks.
Benefiber
Benefiber comes in as a powder. The standard adult dosage of Benefiber is two teaspoons (tsp). You can mix the powder with 4 to 8 ounces (oz) of a beverage, such as:
- water
- coffee
- juice
Stir well until the powder dissolves, which will take about one minute. Then, drink the mixture.
You can also mix Benefiber with hot or cold soft foods, such as:
- applesauce
- pudding
- yogurt
Metamucil
Metamucil comes in powder, capsule, and wafer forms.
Powder
The standard adult dosage of Metamucil powder is 1 rounded tsp or 1 powder packet mixed with at least 8 oz of a cool liquid, such as:
- water
- coffee
- juice
Stir the mixture well and then drink it.
Capsules
The standard adult dosage to treat constipation with capsules is 2 to 5 capsules up to 4 times daily.
Start with two capsules per serving to see how it affects you, and then increase your dosage if needed. You can take up to four servings per day.
Wafers
The typical dosage is 2 wafers with at least 8 oz of liquid.
In children
The dosage for Metamucil or Benefiber for children who are 12-17 years old is the same as the adult dosage.
Children who are 6-11 years old can take 1 tsp of Benefiber mixed with 4-8 oz of a beverage or soft food. For Metamucil powder, they can take ½ tsp mixed with 8 oz of a beverage. Ask your child’s doctor the correct dosage for your child if you’re using the Metamucil capsules or wafers.
Ask your doctor for the recommended dosage of Benefiber and Metamucil for children 5 years old or younger.
Children can take either supplement up to three times per day. However, you should increase how often they slowly take the supplement: It should take one to two weeks to reach the maximum daily dosage.
Benefiber and Metamucil can cause similar side effects, such as stomach cramping and gas. These effects
Gas and stomach cramping tend to go away after a few weeks, but you can help reduce these side effects by increasing your dosage slowly over one to two weeks. Drinking plenty of fluids while taking these supplements can also help ease side effects.
In rare cases, these supplements can cause serious side effects, including gastrointestinal (GI) obstructions.
Learn more: Causes, symptoms, and treatments of a GI obstruction.
Interactions
Benefiber and Metamucil may affect how well other medications work in your body. This is because they can decrease how well your body absorbs some medications.
This means the drugs may not work as well. If you take a prescription drug by mouth, take Benefiber or Metamucil at least 2 hours before or after taking your medication.
Benefiber and Metamucil may cause other interactions with prescription or over-the-counter drugs and other supplements. Be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor about possible interactions before you start taking Benefiber or Metamucil.
Conditions of concern
Generally, OTC drugs like Benefiber and Metamucil are reserved for treating mild constipation. You should not use these supplements if you have an acute stomach problem. These include:
- appendicitis
- ulcers
- esophageal perforation
- GI obstruction
Talk with your doctor if you have any stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting before you take Benefiber or Metamucil. These symptoms may mean you have an acute GI issue, and Benefiber or Metamucil could worsen your condition.
To treat mild constipation, you can take Metamucil or Benefiber. These supplements can promote regularity in your bowel movements.
To get the best results, remember to mix the supplement with plenty of water. To minimize side effects, gradually increase your intake over 1-2 weeks.
If your constipation persists for more than 7 days, consult a doctor and stop using it. Also, contact a doctor if you experience bleeding after a bowel movement, as it could indicate a serious issue.
