Two medicines, side by side
Calcium polycarbophil vs methylcellulose
Calcium polycarbophil and methylcellulose are both labeled for constipation. Pharmacies paid $0.0591 per unit (Fiber-lax 625 mg caplet) and $0.0135 per gram (Fiber therapy powder) (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the calcium polycarbophil FDA label on DailyMed (effective September 1, 2026); the methylcellulose FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 18, 2026).
Highlights of the calcium polycarbophil record
Calcium polycarbophil · label of September 1, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications▪ relieves occasional constipation to help restore and maintain regularity ▪ this product generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0591 per unit
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the methylcellulose record
Methylcellulose · label of March 18, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsrelieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces a bowel movement in 12-72 hours
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0135 per gram
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Calcium polycarbophil label of September 1, 2026, Methylcellulose label of March 18, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do calcium polycarbophil and methylcellulose differ on the record?
| Calcium polycarbophil | Methylcellulose | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Constipation | Constipation |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | n/a |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | n/a | n/a |
| First generic approved | none | none |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | none listed | none listed |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0591 per unit (Fiber-lax 625 mg caplet) | $0.0135 per gram (Fiber therapy powder) |
| 12-month price change | +4% | -0.4% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 0 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 2,951 | 2,145 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to calcium polycarbophil
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions