Constipation: regulation of the physiological function of the colon. Cases of stool softening due to medical reasons (haemorrhoids, after surgery within the large intestine or rectum).
Composition:
1 ml oral solution contains 667 mg lactulose.
Action:
A laxative with an osmotic effect. In the colon, Lactulose is broken down by the bacteria of the large intestine into low molecular weight organic acids. These acids cause a decrease in pH in the lumen of the colon, and through osmotic effects - an increase in the volume of colonic content. These actions stimulate colonic peristalsis and lead to the restoration of normal stool consistency. Lactulose as a prebiotic substance intensifies the growth of beneficial bacteria, such asBifidobacteriumspp. andLactobacillus spp., thus the growth of pathogenic bacteria, such asClostridium andEscherichia coli it can be stopped. This can lead to a better balance of the intestinal flora. Lactulose is only slightly absorbed after oral administration. It reaches the colon unchanged. There it is metabolized by the bacterial flora of the large intestine. It is completely metabolised at doses up to 40-75 ml; at higher doses, some of the administered amount of the drug may be excreted unchanged.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the ingredients. Galactosemia. Gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation or risk of gastrointestinal perforation (e.g. acute inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).
Precautions:
A medical consultation is recommended if: pre-existing abdominal symptoms accompanied by pain of undetermined cause; unsatisfactory therapeutic effect after a few days of use. Prolonged use of the wrong dose and improper use may lead to diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance. Particularly cautiously use in patients with gastro-cardiac syndrome (Roemhelda syndrome), after consulting a doctor; if these patients experience flatulence after taking Lactulose, the dose should be reduced or treatment discontinued. Laxatives can be used in children in special cases and under the supervision of a physician; it should be taken into account that during the treatment the defecation reflex may be disturbed. Lactulose should be used with caution in infants and young children with recessive autosomal fructose intolerance. Due to the lactose, galactose and small amounts of fructose, the drug should not be used in patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose or fructose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or malabsorption of glucose-galactose. The dose usually used to treat constipation should not be a problem for people with diabetes. The drug contains 0.4% ethanol, ie up to 160 mg per dose, equivalent to 4 ml of beer, 2 ml of wine per dose; can be harmful to people suffering from alcoholism; this should be taken into account in pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease or epilepsy.
Pregnancy and lactation:
The drug can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding; it should be taken into account that the solution contains 0.4% ethanol.
Side effects:
Very often: diarrhea. Common: bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. Uncommon: electrolyte imbalance as a result of diarrhea.
Dosage:
Orally. Adults and adolescents: initial dose 15-45 ml per day, maintenance dose 15-30 ml per day; children 7-14 years: initial dose 15 ml daily, maintenance dose 10-15 ml per day; children 1-6 years: initial dose 5-10 ml daily, maintenance dose 5-10 ml per day; infants (under 1 year): starting dose up to 5 ml per day, maintenance dose up to 5 ml per day. Lactulose can be used in a single daily dose or in two divided doses. After a few days, the starting dose can be adjusted to the maintenance dose based on the response you receive.The healing effect may occur after a few days (2-3 days) of treatment.Way of giving. The lactulose solution can be administered diluted or undiluted. For one daily dose, it should be taken at the same time, eg during breakfast. The single dose should be swallowed without too much holding in the mouth.
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