Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Methylcellulose is a synthetic bulk-forming laxative widely used to manage constipation, including in children. Its use is scientifically validated, though most robust evidence comes from adult populations. Methylcellulose works by absorbing water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and moisture, thereby promoting peristalsis and easier defecation. Several clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE, NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN) mention bulk-forming agents such as methylcellulose as options for pediatric constipation, although they are generally considered second-line after osmotic or stimulant laxatives. Published studies directly evaluating methylcellulose in children are limited, but its mechanism of action is well-understood and safety profile is favorable, provided adequate hydration is maintained. Evidence supporting its efficacy in children is derived from its established use in adults and extrapolation from related fiber laxatives. Side effects are uncommon but can include bloating and abdominal discomfort. In summary, there is moderate scientific support for methylcellulose in pediatric constipation, primarily based on its pharmacological rationale and clinical experience, but high-quality pediatric-specific randomized controlled trials are lacking.

More about methylcellulose
More about Constipation (children)

Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)

2'-Fucosyllactose
Aloe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
Almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fruit
Fiber
Frangula
Fructan
Guava
Galactomannan
Galactooligosaccharides
Glucofrangulin
Galangal
Hydroxycellulose
Hygrophila
Honey
hydroxyanthracene derivatives
Long Pepper
Indian Kinotree
Jalap
Jungli-bean
Karaya Gum
Kefir
Lactitol
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus kefiri
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Ligustilides
Luffa
Lodhtree
methylcellulose
Mucilage
Nymphaea nouchali
Nutmeg
Ophiopogon
Oligosaccharides
Operculina turpethum
Osmanthus
Oryza Sativa
Phyllanthus
Palmyra
Phaeophyceae
Polysaccharides
Plantago
Phosphate Salt
Probiotics
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Polygonum
Rubiaceae
Rhamnus Nakaharai
Rhubarb
Ricinoleic acid
Sennosides
Sicklepod
Sesbania
Sete sangrias
Solanum indicum
Slippery Elm
Sulfated polysaccharide
Tea
Tamaricaceae
Tamarind
Wax Gourd
Wheat
Yerba buena
Yacon
Zucchini
Zedoary
Zingerone

Other health conditions supported by methylcellulose

Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diverticulitis
Hemorrhoids
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Products containing methylcellulose

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.