Total Image S Tummy Capsules

Total Image S Tummy Capsules are traditional herbal capsules from the Malaysian brand Total Image, supplied in a pack of 60 capsules. The listed active ingredients are Radix Aucklandia lappa (costus root) 110mg, Radix Rheum palmatum (rhubarb root) 50mg, Folium Aloe barbadensis (aloe leaf) 140mg, senna leaf extract 50mg and Radix Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal skullcap root) 100mg. Please check the product label to confirm the exact amounts and whether they are stated per capsule or per serving.

Three of these botanicals – senna leaf, rhubarb root and aloe leaf – contain anthraquinone compounds, which are well known for their stimulant laxative effect on the large bowel. This means the capsules can increase bowel movements and loosen stools, and they can also cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and loss of fluid and electrolytes such as potassium. Stimulant laxative ingredients like senna are intended for short-term use only; regular long-term use can lead to bowel dependence and should be avoided unless supervised by a doctor. This product is not a weight-loss treatment, and any change on the weighing scale caused by bowel emptying or fluid loss does not reflect a loss of body fat.

Because of its laxative-acting ingredients, this product is not suitable for everyone. It must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, by children, or by people with bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), appendicitis, unexplained abdominal pain or dehydration. People taking heart medicines such as digoxin, diuretics (water pills) or corticosteroids, and those with heart, kidney or liver conditions, should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use. If you have ongoing constipation or concerns about your weight or body shape, please consult a doctor for proper assessment.

Take 2 capsules once daily after lunch, swallowed whole with a full glass of water, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not chew or open the capsules. Drink plenty of water throughout the day while taking this product. Use for short periods only – do not use for more than 1 week continuously without first speaking to a doctor. Stop use if you develop diarrhoea, abdominal cramps or signs of dehydration.

Adults: 2 capsules once daily after lunch, as stated by the manufacturer. Do not take more than 2 capsules in a day and do not double the dose if one is missed. Because the product contains stimulant laxative ingredients (senna, rhubarb and aloe), use it for no longer than 1 week at a time unless a doctor advises otherwise. Children and adolescents under 18 years: not for use.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and keep out of reach of children. Refer to the product label for any specific storage instructions.

• Common: Abdominal cramps, stomach pain or discomfort, bloating and wind.
• Common: Loose stools or diarrhoea, and nausea.
• Common: Harmless reddish-brown discolouration of the urine caused by anthraquinone compounds from senna and rhubarb.
• Serious: Severe or prolonged diarrhoea leading to dehydration and loss of electrolytes, especially low potassium – signs include dizziness, extreme thirst, muscle weakness or cramps and an irregular heartbeat. Stop use and seek medical attention.
• Serious: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool – stop use and see a doctor immediately.
• Serious: Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness or persistent upper abdominal pain – liver injury has been reported rarely with products containing Scutellaria baicalensis (skullcap). Stop use and seek medical attention.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing – seek medical help immediately.
• With long-term use: Laxative dependence (the bowel becomes less able to work without laxatives), worsening constipation after stopping, and ongoing electrolyte imbalance.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Children and adolescents under 18 years.
• Intestinal obstruction or narrowing, or a bowel that does not move normally (intestinal atony).
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and appendicitis.
• Abdominal pain of unknown cause, nausea or vomiting, or unexplained rectal bleeding.
• Severe dehydration or known low potassium levels.
• Known allergy to senna, rhubarb, aloe, Aucklandia lappa (costus, a member of the daisy family), Scutellaria baicalensis or any other ingredient in the product.
• Use as a weight-loss or slimming method – stimulant laxatives do not reduce body fat and misuse can cause harm.

• Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides: low potassium caused by laxative use can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity and irregular heartbeat – do not use together unless your doctor approves.
• Diuretics (water pills, e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone) and liquorice root: may add to potassium loss – speak to a doctor before use.
• Medicines for irregular heartbeat (antiarrhythmics) and other medicines affected by low potassium: use only under medical advice.
• Other oral medicines, including oral contraceptives: faster bowel transit and diarrhoea may reduce how much of a medicine is absorbed. Take other medicines at least 2 hours apart, and use additional contraception if you develop diarrhoea while on the pill.
• Other laxatives or slimming, detox or herbal products containing senna, aloe, rhubarb, cascara or similar ingredients: avoid combining, as the laxative effect and side effects can add up.
• Diabetes medicines and blood thinners such as warfarin: diarrhoea and fluid loss may affect blood sugar control and anticoagulation – inform your doctor if you take these medicines.
• Food and fluids: take after a meal and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, which can add to dehydration.

• Use for short periods only – no more than 1 week continuously unless a doctor advises otherwise.
• Drink plenty of water every day to reduce the risk of dehydration.
• Do not use this product to lose weight – any drop on the scale comes from bowel contents and water, not body fat.
• Take any other medicines at least 2 hours before or after these capsules.
• Do not combine with other laxatives, detox teas or slimming products that contain senna, aloe or rhubarb.
• For lasting bowel comfort, increase dietary fibre, fluids and physical activity, and see a doctor if constipation persists.

Precautions: This product contains senna, rhubarb and aloe, which act as stimulant laxatives. Use it only for short periods and do not exceed 2 capsules daily. Prolonged or excessive use can cause dehydration, loss of potassium and other electrolytes, kidney strain and laxative dependence. Older adults and people with heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or a history of electrolyte problems are at higher risk and should consult a doctor first. People with a history of eating disorders should not use laxative-containing products. Natural or traditional ingredients can still cause serious side effects and interactions.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Stop use and seek medical advice if you develop severe or persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, dizziness, muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. See a doctor if you still need a laxative after 1 week, if constipation persists, or if you notice a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks. Speak to a doctor before use if you take digoxin, diuretics, corticosteroids, heart rhythm medicines or other regular medicines.