Isabgol (psyllium husk) powder: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Constipation – softens and bulks the stool so it passes easily; Piles and anal fissures, to avoid straining.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.55 to ₹2.60 per sachet across 7 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / sachet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softovac Bowel Regulator | Lupin Ltd | 450 sachet | ₹699.00 | ₹1.55 | 19 October 2026 |
| Naturolax-A Isabgol | Piramal Enterprises Ltd | 300 sachet | ₹486.00 | ₹1.62 | 19 October 2026 |
| Swastik Sat-Isabgol | Gujarat Sat-Isabgol Factory | 200 sachet | ₹348.00 | ₹1.74 | 19 October 2026 |
| Telephone Brand Sat-Isabgol | Sidhpur Sat Isabgol Factory Pvt. Ltd. | 100 sachet | ₹175.00 | ₹1.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Baidyanath Isabgol Husk | Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt Ltd | 200 sachet | ₹350.00 | ₹1.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dabur Sat Isabgol | Dabur India Ltd | 180 sachet | ₹345.00 | ₹1.92 | 19 October 2026 |
| Organic India Sat Isabgol | Organic India Pvt. Ltd. | 100 sachet | ₹260.00 | ₹2.60 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Constipation – softens and bulks the stool so it passes easily.
- Piles and anal fissures, to avoid straining.
- Irritable bowel syndrome, to regularise bowel movements.
- Mild diarrhoea, where it absorbs water and firms the stool.
- Adding fibre to the diet to help cholesterol and blood sugar control, as advised by a doctor.
How to take it
Mix one to two teaspoons (about 5 to 10 g) of husk or powder in a full glass (at least 240 ml) of water, milk or juice and drink it immediately before it thickens, then drink another glass of water. Take it once or twice a day – at night for constipation, or as your doctor suggests – and keep your overall fluid intake high through the day, as too little water can make constipation worse or cause a blockage. Leave a 2 to 3 hour gap from other medicines. It works within 1 to 3 days. See a doctor if constipation persists beyond a week, or if you develop severe stomach pain, vomiting or difficulty swallowing.
Side effects
Common
- Bloating and gas, especially in the first week.
- Feeling of fullness.
- Mild stomach cramps.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing, chest pain – possible choking if taken with too little water. Seek help immediately.
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting or no bowel movement for days (possible blockage).
- Allergic reaction – rash, itching, wheezing, including from inhaling the powder.
Safety information
Alcohol
No interaction. Alcohol can itself cause dehydration, so drink extra water.
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding for constipation, since it is not absorbed. Check with your doctor if you have any pregnancy complication.
Kidney problems
Safe for most people, but tell your doctor if you have kidney disease and have been told to restrict fluids.
Liver problems
No special precautions.
Children
Can be given to children over 6 at half the adult amount with plenty of water, preferably on a doctor's advice.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember with a full glass of water, or just take the next dose. Do not take a double dose.
Interactions
- All other medicines – isabgol can slow their absorption; take them at least 2 to 3 hours before or after.
- Digoxin, nitrofurantoin and aspirin – keep a 3 hour gap.
- Diabetes medicines – isabgol may lower blood sugar slightly; monitor if you are on insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Lithium and carbamazepine – levels may fall; tell your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take isabgol – morning or night?
For constipation, most people take it at night with a glass of warm water or milk so the bowel moves in the morning. For diarrhoea or general fibre intake it can be taken with meals. Either way, drink plenty of water.
Can I take Telephone Brand Isabgol daily?
Yes, isabgol is a fibre and can be taken daily, but if you need it every day for more than a week for constipation, see a doctor to check the cause.
Isabgol with water or milk?
Both work. Use at least a full glass of liquid, stir and drink immediately before it thickens, and follow with more water. Warm milk at night is a common Indian practice for constipation.
Does isabgol help with weight loss?
It makes you feel full and may reduce snacking, but it is not a weight-loss medicine. Its main benefit is regular bowel movements and extra fibre.
Can isabgol be taken for loose motions?
Yes. Because it absorbs water, a small dose with less liquid can firm up loose stools. See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days, has blood, or comes with fever.
Is isabgol safe in pregnancy?
Isabgol is not absorbed into the body and is generally considered safe for constipation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Drink plenty of water with it.
Can isabgol be taken with other medicines?
Keep a 2 to 3 hour gap. Isabgol can trap other tablets and reduce their absorption, especially digoxin, nitrofurantoin and aspirin.
Why do I feel bloated after isabgol?
Gas and bloating are common in the first week as your gut adjusts to the extra fibre. Start with a smaller amount and increase slowly, and always take it with enough water.
Is isabgol the same as psyllium husk?
Yes. Isabgol is the Indian name for psyllium husk, the seed coat of the Plantago ovata plant grown mainly in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Psyllium (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms