How to Take Fiber Supplements With Diclofenac

Fiber supplements are often recommended for people suffering from constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and other intestinal disorders--or for those whose diet is severely lacking in natural fiber sources. They are sold in many different forms (powders, pills, capsules and even wafers) and under many different brand names. Because fiber supplements are known to interfere with the absorption of some medications, patients taking diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to alleviate arthritis-related pain and swelling, should take the following extra precautions.

Instructions

• 1

  Check with your doctor for guidance on taking fiber supplements. For most patients on diclofenac, there shouldn't be a problem taking the extra fiber. But it's best to be sure that you don't have an underlying medical condition that makes such supplementation inadvisable.

• 2

  Take the diclofenac at least one hour before or two hours after ingesting the fiber.

• 3

  Drink one full glass of water (8 oz.) with the fiber supplement to facilitate swallowing. Also drink plenty of water (six to eight glasses) throughout the day. Fiber needs water to work correctly in your digestive system, and without enough of it, you could end up being constipated. Because diclofenac (as well as other NSAIDs) carries the risk of stomach upset, you want to keep that part of your body working as optimally as possible.