Both Metamucil and Konsyl are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines being used to treat constipation. These bulk-forming fiber laxatives are taken by mouth in powder form; their side effects include gas and stomach cramping, however, there are usually no serious side effects. They both have “Psyllium” as their generic name; Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata (also known as blond plantain, desert Indianwheat, isabgol, or blond psyllium). This prebiotic makes bowel movements easier by soaking up water in the gut (Krans, 2019). Their main difference lies in their inactive ingredients. The following discussions present a comparison of these two products based on various sources.
What is Metamucil?
Uses:
Metamucil is used to treat occasional constipation. It may also be used to treat high cholesterol when combined with proper diet. This brand may also be used for other related purposes (Multum, 2020). Aside from promoting digestive health and supporting heart health, it is also advertised as helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels by forming a viscous gel that traps sugars. Its soluble fiber may also help in curbing hunger in between meals by making you feel full longer and by slowing down digestion (Procter & Gamble, 2020). Moreover, its prebiotic effects help increase the absorption of electrolytes including magnesium, calcium, and potassium (Your Health Remedy, 2018)
Ingredients:
According to their website, Metamucil contains 100% natural psyllium husk (Procter & Gamble, 2020). Specifically, this product has 70% soluble fiber and 30 % insoluble fiber. The “Smooth Texture Sugar-Free Unflavored Metamucil Powder” also contains citric acid, maltodextrin, sodium, potassium, and calcium (Drugs.com, 2020). The inactive ingredients of other flavors/versions (i.e., orange flavor, capsules, course milled, etc.) include Yellow 6, sucrose, natural citric acid, and artificial orange flavor (Your Health Remedy, 2018).
Dosage:
Usually, adults are recommended to take one dose in 8 ounces of liquid while children (age 6 to 11) are recommended to take half a dose in 8 ounces of liquid (Your Health Remedy, 2018).
Side Effects:
The side effects may include skin rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing (Your Health Remedy, 2018).
Price:
Amazon sells Metamucil (300 capsules) at $24.39 and Metamucil smooth texture sugar-free unflavored product is at $1.94 per ounce (as of December 29, 2020).
What is Konsyl?
Uses:
Konsyl is used to treat bowel irregularity. It is also taken to help lower cholesterol (with low-fat/ low-cholesterol diet and may also be used for other pertinent conditions (Multum, 2020). It is also useful in treating mild to moderate diarrhea since the fiber soaks up excess water in the gut. Moreover, it reduces cholesterol and chances of atherosclerosis; this product can lessen the pain from hemorrhoids (by making the stools softer), can maintain a healthy glycemic balance, and encourages a feeling of satiety. Studies have also shown that fibers such as psyllium can help those with type 2 diabetes mellitus by maintaining a healthy glycemic balance (Your Health Remedy, 2018).
Ingredients:
Konsyl contains psyllium fiber and each 6.5 g dose has 30mg of potassium (Your Health Remedy, 2018). The Konsyl original formula psyllium fiber has no inactive ingredient (Daily Med, 2019). The “Smooth Texture Sugar-Free Unflavored Metamucil Powder” also contains citric acid, maltodextrin, sodium, potassium, and calcium (Drugs.com, 2020).
Dosage:
It is usually recommended to take 1 tablet (with at least 8 ounces of water) at 1 to 3 times per day (Your Health Remedy, 2018). It is also recommended to drink another 8 ounces of liquid after taking the product with water. This is not recommended for children who are less than 6 years old (Haymarket Media, 2020).
Side Effects:
The side effects may include bloating, rectal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, trouble swallowing, choking, and itchy skin rash (Your Health Remedy, 2018). The other adverse reactions include esophageal, enteral, rectal, and gastric obstruction (Haymarket Media, 2020).
Price:
Amazon sells “Konsyl, original formula daily fiber” at $2.30 per ounce (as of December 28, 2020). The product is described as 100% natural, sugar-free, and non-GMO.
Difference between Metamucil and Konsyl
Ingredients
According to their website, Metamucil contains 100% natural Psyllium husk (Procter & Gamble, 2020). Specifically, this product has 70% soluble fiber and 30 % insoluble fiber. The “Smooth Texture Sugar-Free Unflavored Metamucil Powder” also contains citric acid, maltodextrin, sodium, potassium, and calcium (Drugs.com, 2020). The inactive ingredients of other flavors/versions (i.e., orange flavor, capsules, course milled, etc.) include Yellow 6, sucrose, natural citric acid, and artificial orange flavor (Your Health Remedy, 2018). Konsyl contains psyllium fiber and each 6.5 g dose has 30mg of potassium (Your Health Remedy, 2018). The Konsyl original formula psyllium fiber has no inactive ingredient (Daily Med, 2019).
Price
Amazon sells Metamucil (300 capsules) at $24.39 and the Metamucil smooth texture sugar-free unflavored product is at $1.94 per ounce. In comparison, “Konsyl, original formula daily fiber” is at $2.78 per ounce (as of December 29, 2020).
Manufacturer
Metamucil is manufactured by Procter and Gamble while Konsyl is manufactured by Konsyl pharmaceuticals; Konsyl became a part of ICC Industries in 2005.
Metamucil vs Konsyl
Summary
- Both Metamucil and Konsyl are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines used to treat constipation and high cholesterol.
- They both have “Psyllium” as their generic name; Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative which is a form of fiber made from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata.
- These products have similar uses, main ingredients, dosage, and side effects.
- The other ingredients of “Smooth Texture Sugar-Free Unflavored Metamucil Powder” also contains citric acid, maltodextrin, sodium, potassium, and calcium (Drugs.com, 2020).
- The Konsyl original formula Psyllium fiber has no inactive ingredient (Daily Med, 2019).