Follow the directions on the label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. If psyllium was prescribed by your doctor, follow your doctor's directions. Psyllium usually works as a laxative within 12 to 24 hours. However, you may have to wait up to three days for its effect. Do not take psyllium as a laxative for longer than one week unless your doctor directs you to do so.
Psyllium comes in powder, wafer and granule form.
The label tells you how much to take at each dose. The powder and granules must be mixed with eight ounces of a pleasant tasting liquid, such as fruit juice, right before use. For pysllium to work properly and to prevent side effects, you must drink at least eight ounces of liquid when you take it. Chew wafers thoroughly. Do not take psyllium if you have stomach or abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, or a change in bowel function that lasts longer than two weeks without checking with your doctor first.