Lactulose
introduction
Lactulose is a medicine that is used in the form of a syrup for purging.
application areas
- constipationwhich cannot be sufficiently influenced by changes in diet etc.
- at Diseases of the intestine Etc.
- Prophylaxis and therapy portocaval encephalopathy (Liver disease)
Contraindications
Not applied the lactulose syrup is allowed
- Hypersensitivity to lactulose or other ingredients of the syrup
- Complaints like stomach pain, Vomit, fever
Instructions for use
Lactulose will with water or other drinks (Coffee or tea is also possible) mixed or in yogurt, muesli or porridge taken stirred. The ingestion is regardless of meals.
One is sufficient for treating individual constipation single dose per day, this is especially recommended in the morning after breakfast.
The laxative effect can sometimes Depending on the patient, only after 2 to 10 hours enter, but there is also one Duration from 1 to 2 days possible until the first bowel movement occurs.
If the doctor does not give an individual dosage, the dosage is at constipation as follows:
- Adults: 7.5-15 ml of the syrup (equivalent to 5 to 10 g lactulose) 1 to 2 times a day.
- Children: 1 to 2 times a day 4.5-9 ml of the syrup (equivalent to 3 to 6 g of lactulose).
Because the constipation is mostly especially at the beginning of therapy stubbornly holds, a higher dosage is initially necessary before an effect occurs. After 3 to 4 days this initial dose can then be gradually reduced.
At portocaval encephalopathy it is recommended to increase the intake to 7.5-15 ml of the syrup 3 to 4 times a day (corresponding to 5g to 10g lactulose). The dose is then carefully increased to 30-45 ml (corresponding to 20 to 30 g) 3 to 4 times a day.
Duration of use:
The goal is one Emptying 2 to 3 soft stools per day. And the length of time necessary to take the lactulose for treatment is recommended by the doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
When lactulose ingested in excess so it can be too nausea, Vomit, Diarrhea and one Loss of water and electrolytes come. These manifestations of the drug may then need to be treated with other drugs and belonged to under the supervision of a doctor. The latter then decides on the measures necessary to treat the symptoms.
Forgetting to take
Will take one or more ingestions of lactulose left outso it can be Loss of effectiveness of the drug.
It will, however not recommendedto then increase the intake amount independently with the next intake. Here too should the Doctor asked for advice so that he can adjust the therapy individually.
Side effects
The following adverse drug reactions are known in connection with lactulose:
- thin stools up to diarrhea
- Disturbances in the water balance
- Electrolyte disorders
- increased sodium levels in the blood
- easy stomach pain
- Flatulence
- Nausea, vomiting
Countermeasures in the event of adverse drug reactions
Usually they lay down initial discomfort with continued treatment then. However, it will Diarrhea and conditioned by it Disturbances in the water / electrolyte balance due to high doses of lactulose, this may need treatment and must therefore be presented to a doctor.
Even if other of the above side effects are observed, the Doctor informed about it and decide how to proceed (discontinuation, dose changes).
Interactions
Before taking lactulose should discussed with the attending physician what other medications (or dietary supplements) are taken.
For example, some dehydrating agents (Diuretics) and Corticosteroid (Adrenal hormones) or that antifungal agents Amphotericin B will further increase the potassium loss that can be caused by lactulose.
In this case then the effectiveness of cardiac glycosides (e.g. Digitoxin) be increased so that it is too Cardiac arrhythmias can come.
Use in infants and young children
In younger children, it is possible that a present Fructose intolerance has not yet been established and should therefore be preceded by lactulose therapy Consultation with the doctor respectively.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
There are no known damaging influences if you take lactulose during the pregnancy or Lactation in front. This means that it can also be taken during this time.
