Page 34 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

laxative; abnormal constrictions in the gastrointestinal tract; diseases of the
oesophagus; potential or existing intestinal blockage (ileus); paralysis of the
intestine or megacolon; poorly controlled diabetes mellitus; known
hypersensitivity to the seed or husk. The seed and husk should not be used by
patients with faecal impaction and undiagnosed abdominal symptoms,
abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting (unless advised by a doctor).
Precautions and adverse reactions
General: Incorrect administration procedures (with too little fluid) can cause
the product to swell and lead to obstruction of the esophagus or of the
intestine, particularly with older people.
Warnings: The seed products should always be taken with sufficient
amounts of liquid, and at least half an hour after other medications to prevent
delayed absorption of the latter. If bleeding or no response occurs after
ingesting the drug, or if abdominal pain occurs 48 hours after treatment,
treatment should be stopped and medical advice sought. If diarrhoea persists
longer than 3 or 4 days, medical attention should be sought. It should never
be taken orally as the dried powder, because of the possibility of bowel
obstruction.
Drug interactions Bulking agents have been reported to diminish the
absorption of some minerals (calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc),
vitamin B12, cardiac glycosides, and coumarin derivatives. The co-
administration of the seed with lithium salts has been reported to reduce the
plasma concentrations of the lithium salts and may inhibit their absorption
from the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, ingestion of lithium salts and the
seed should be separated in time as far as possible.
Administration: The whole or coarsely-chopped drug as well as other
galenic preparations are used internally Sufficient fluid must be taken with

32