Sterculia

South African indications:

• Constipation

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
• Intestinal obstruction
• Faecal impaction
• Total atony of colon

Cautions

• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Ulcerative colitis
• Prolonged use
• Fluid and electrolyte depletion
• Fructose intolerance
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption
• Sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: gra

Relief of constipation
- During pregnancy
- Symptomatic relief in irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease

• Oral (gra): 1-2 heaped 5ml spoonfuls, 12-24hrly; Max duration: 7 days; Max: 14g/24hrs

Should be taken after meals

Granules should be placed dry on the tongue and swallowed with a full glass of liquid

The granules should not be chewed or crushed

Should not be taken immediately before bedtime or in a recumbent position

A bowel movement is generally produced in 12-72 hours

Not approved for use in South Africa for children below 12 years

Pregnancy

• Compatible
• Sterculia may be recommended during pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Compatible
• Sterculia may be recommended during lactation

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no information available 

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not porphyrinogenic (NP)

Drugs in Sport

• Non-regulated product: Authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these product

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Oesophageal obstruction
• Intestinal obstruction or impaction
• Abdominal distension
• Flatulence
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Allergic reactions

No known significant interactions

None routine

Sterculia is an indigestible polysaccharide, which absorbs fluid from the digestive tract to form a soft, bulky stool. The presence of this bulky mass in the colon stimulates bowel action.

Sterculia is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication

Granules (per 10g) 6.2g

• Normacol (Norgine)