Wheat Dextrin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Wheat dextrin is a fiber supplement to meet daily fiber needs and treat constipation. Wheat dextrin is a soluble fiber supplement made from wheat dextrin

Wheat dextrin works by increasing the water content in feces, triggering bowel movements, and speeding up the process of expulsion of feces. This fiber supplement can also be used as an additional ingredient in cooking.

Wheat dextrin trademark: -

What is Wheat Dextrin

Class	OTC drugs
Categories	Fiber supplements or laxatives that form stool mass
Benefits	Meet daily fiber needs and overcome constipation
Consumed by	Adults and children
Wheat dextrin for pregnant and lactating women	Category N: Not categorized yet. Wheat dextrin is believed to be safe for breastfeeding mothers if consumed according to the doctor's recommendations and the rules listed on the packaging.
Medicine form	Powders, tablets and chewable tablets

Warning Before Consuming Wheat Dextrin

There are several things you need to pay attention to before consuming wheat dextrin, namely:

• Do not take wheat dextrin if you are allergic to this drug. If in doubt, consult your doctor first.
• Consult your doctor about using wheat dextrin if you have sores or strictures in your esophagus, difficulty swallowing, stomach ulcers, intestinal or digestive tract obstruction, or impacted stools.
• Consult your doctor about using wheat dextrin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Consult your doctor about using wheat dextrin if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• See a doctor immediately if an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after consuming wheat dextrin.

Dosage and Rules for Using Wheat Dextrin

Dosage of wheat dextrin varies, depending on the age of the patient and the purpose of use. Here is the dosage for using wheat dextrin based on the form of the drug:

Wheat dextrin powder

Purpose: Meet daily fiber needs (as a fiber supplement)

• Adult: 2 measuring spoons which is equivalent to 4 grams, 3 times a day. Powder can be added to drinks or food.
• Children aged 6–11 years: 1 measuring spoon is equivalent to 2 grams, 3 times a day. Powder can be added to drinks or food.

Goal: Overcoming constipation

• Adult: 2 measuring spoons which is equivalent to 3.5 grams, 3 times a day. Dosage should not be more than 6 measuring spoons or 10.5 grams per day.
• Children aged 6–11 years: 1 measuring spoon is equivalent to 1.75 grams, 3 times a day. Dosage should not exceed 3 teaspoons or 5.25 grams per day.

Wheat dextrin tablets

Goal: Overcoming constipation

• Adults: 3 tablets equal to 3 grams, 3 times a day. Dosage should not be more than 9 tablets per day.
• Children aged 6–11 years: 1.5 tablets equal to 1.5 grams, 3 times a day. Dosage should not be more than 4.5 tablets per day.

How to Consume Wheat Dextrin Correctly

Before consuming wheat dextrin, read the instructions for use listed on the product packaging. If you have doubts or have certain medical conditions, discuss with your doctor about the dosage, product options, and how to use according to your condition.

Consumption of wheat dextrin according to the recommended dose. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Wheat dextrin can be taken with or without food. Wheat dextrin powder form can be mixed with drinks or food, including yogurt or pudding. But it is not recommended to mix wheat dextrin with carbonated or fizzy drinks.

You are advised to always consume enough water during treatment with wheat dextrin.

Try to consume wheat dextrin at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. If you forget to take wheat dextrin, consume it immediately if the next schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Store wheat dextrin at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Wheat Dextrin with Other Drugs

The following are a number of interaction effects that can be caused if wheat dextrin is used with other drugs:

• Interference in the effect of F-18 fluxyglucose in radiological examination
• Decreased effectiveness of lactulose in treating portal-systemic encephalopathy

Side Effects and Dangers of Wheat Dextrin

If consumed in accordance with the recommended dosage, wheat dextrin supplements rarely cause side effects. However, in some conditions, wheat dextrin can cause side effects such as:

• stomach bloating
• Frequently fart
• Stomach pain or cramps

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the side effects mentioned above. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction after consuming wheat dextrin.