malt soup extract

Malt soup extract is prepared from malted barley, by allowing the barley grains to germinate partially. Malt soup extract is used as a short-term treatment to relieve occasional constipation, maintain regularity of bowel movements and relieve anal itching (pruritus ani).

Malt soup extract is available over the counter (OTC) as a tablet, powder, or liquid that is taken with plenty of fluids. Malt is used in the preparation of many foods and beverages.

Malt soup extract is a bulk-forming laxative containing soluble fiber that absorbs water and adds bulk and water to the stools, softening and enabling easy passage of stools through the intestines. The increased bulk also stimulates peristalsis, the series of wave-like gastrointestinal (GI) muscle contractions that move the GI contents. Malt products also contain proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, and are a healthy addition to the diet, in general.

• Do not take malt soup extract under the following conditions:
  • Hypersensitivity to malt soup extract or any of the components in the formulation
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction
  • GI ulceration or adhesions
  • Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
  • Fecal impaction
  • Symptoms of appendicitis or other conditions that require immediate surgical intervention (acute surgical abdomen)
  • Rectal bleeding
• Use with caution in patients with severe active ulcerative colitis.
• Screen the patient for GI obstruction/perforation before administering malt soup extract.

Common side effects of malt soup extract include:

• Gas (flatulence)
• Excessive bowel activity
• Diarrhea
• Rectal obstruction.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Constipation

Adult:

Tablets

• 4 tablets orally every 6 hours, with liquid

Powder or Liquid

• 2 tablespoons orally every 12 hours for 3-4 days, then 1-2 tablespoons at night, 8 oz of fluid taken with each dose

Pediatric:

Tablets

• Not recommended in children

Powder or liquid

• 1-2 tablespoons in milk or cereal orally once daily or every 12 hours for 3-4 days, then 1-2 tablespoons at night, 8 oz of fluid taken with each dose

Children over 1 Month Old

• 1-2 teaspoonfuls in a single feeding

Overdose

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of laxative overdose, which may be treated with the discontinuation of the drug and sufficient hydration.
• Bulk-forming laxatives like malt soup extract contain a lot of fiber and can cause choking, constipation, fecal impaction, or bowel obstruction unless taken with adequate fluids. Treatment may include other types of laxatives and enemas if required.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Malt soup extract has no listed severe or serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of malt soup extract include:
  • deflazacort
• Mild interactions of malt soup extract include:
  • sodium picosulfate

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Use of bulk-forming laxatives to relieve occasional constipation during pregnancy is generally considered safe, however, there aren’t well-controlled studies of malt soup extract use in pregnant women. Use with caution.
• Malt soup extract isn’t systemically absorbed and is unlikely to pass into breastmilk or pose a risk to the breastfed infant.
• Never use any OTC product without first checking with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Take malt soup extract exactly as prescribed or as per label instructions.
• Take malt soup extract with plenty of water or other fluids.
• Store malt soup extract safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.