Sterculia
Sterculia gum / Karaya gum
Also known as: Peridale · Normacol · Karaya gum · Sterculia gum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of impacted anal sacs, diarrhoea, constipation, and post-surgery stool consistency | 1.5 g (dogs <5 kg); 3 g (5-15 kg); 4 g (>15 kg) | PO | q24h (<5 kg) or q12-24h (≥5 kg) | As directed | 🌍 EU |
- Management of impacted anal sacs, diarrhoea, constipation, and post-surgery stool consistency: Sprinkle over feed or place on tongue.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of impacted anal sacs, diarrhoea, constipation, and post-surgery stool consistency | 1 capsule (118 mg) | PO | q24h (kittens) or q12h (adults) | As directed | 🌍 EU |
- Management of impacted anal sacs, diarrhoea, constipation, and post-surgery stool consistency: Administer with plenty of water or moist food.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Sterculia is a bulk-forming laxative used in veterinary medicine to manage impacted anal sacs, diarrhoea, constipation, and to control stool consistency post-surgery. It is a natural dietary fibre derived from the Sterculia tree.
Clinical Warning: Must be administered with plenty of water or a moist diet, as the preparation swells upon contact with fluid and could cause obstruction if given dry.
Mechanism of action
Sterculia acts as a bulk-forming agent. It is inert and not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It absorbs water → swells to form a gelatinous mass → increases faecal mass and volume → mechanically stimulates peristalsis and promotes normal bowel movements.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Intestinal obstruction
- Patients undergoing enterotomy
- Patients undergoing enterectomy
Adverse effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Risk of esophageal or intestinal obstruction if administered without adequate water
Precautions
During treatment, fluid should be provided or a moist diet given. As the preparations swell in contact with water, they should be administered with plenty of water available to prevent choking or gastrointestinal obstruction. Normal safety and handling precautions should be observed.
Monitoring
- Stool consistency and frequency
- Water intake
- Signs of GI obstruction (vomiting, abdominal pain, tenesmus)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Sterculia is inert and not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Distribution
Remains localized within the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism
Not metabolized systemically; may undergo partial fermentation by colonic bacteria.
Elimination
Excreted unchanged in the faeces.
Overdose
Overdosage may lead to gastrointestinal obstruction or severe constipation, especially if water intake is inadequate. Treatment is supportive, focusing on rehydration and facilitating the passage of the bulk mass.
Available products
Formulations
- 98% granules
- 118 mg capsules
Veterinary
- Peridale 98% granules
Human-labeled
- Normacol 118 mg capsules
Regulatory status
Available as AVM-GSL or GSL
Classified as AVM-GSL (Peridale) and GSL (Normacol)
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause the product to swell prematurely.
Client information
Sterculia is a natural fiber supplement used to help regulate your pet's bowel movements. It can help with both constipation and diarrhea, and is often used to help empty anal glands naturally.
Crucial: Always ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh drinking water while taking this medication, or mix it with wet food. The granules swell up with water, and without enough fluid, they could cause a blockage in the throat or intestines.
Sprinkle the granules over your pet's food or administer the capsules exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.