Wheat Dextrin

Wheat dextrin is an over-the-counter medication used as a daily fiber supplement.

• Wheat dextrin is available under the following different brand names: Benefiber

Adult and pediatric dosage

Powder for dissolution

Packet

• 6.2g (8, 12, 16, 24 ea)

Bulk

• 80g
• 155g
• 245g
• 350g
• 477g
• 730g

Dietary Fiber Supplement

Adult dosage

• 4 grams (2 teaspoons) orally three times a day added to 4-8 ounces of liquid or soft food

Pediatric dosage

• Children above 12 years: 4 grams (2 teaspoons) orally three times a day
• Children 6 to 11 years: 2 grams (1 teaspoon) orally three times a day
• Add soluble powder to 4-8 ounces of liquid or soft food

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Wheat dextrin include:

• bloating, 
• flatulence, and
• gastrointestinal distress.

Serious side effects of Wheat dextrin include:

• none

Rare side effects of Wheat dextrin include:

• none 

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

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Wheat dextrin has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Wheat dextrin has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Wheat dextrin has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Wheat dextrin has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs. 

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns.

Contraindications

• Allergy or intolerance to ingredients; some products may contain aspartame or phenylalanine

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Wheat dextrin?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Wheat dextrin?”

Cautions

• Use caution in patients with esophageal strictures, ulcers, stenosis, intestinal adhesions, GI obstruction, fecal impaction, or difficulty swallowing
• Use in patients with insufficient fluid intake may increase the risk for fecal impaction or bowel obstruction

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Not systemically absorbed
• Lactation
  • Not systemically absorbed