Composition
Syp: Per 15 ml: Lactitol monohydrate 10 gm. Powder:Per Sachet: Lactitol monohydrate 10 gm
Indications & Dosage
Constipation: Syrup: Adults: 15 to 30 ml per day, once daily. Children: 2 to 6 yr: 10 ml per day, once daily. Above 6 yr: 10-15 ml per day, once daily. The laxative action may not begin until the 2nd or 3rd day after the initial dose. Sachet: Adults: Two sachets (20 gm) taken in a single dose with the morning or evening meal and subsequently adjusted dose of 10 gm daily to produce 1 soft stool daily. Hepatic encephalopathy: Adults: 30 ml once daily in the evening. For the treatment of acute phases, 45 to 90 ml in 3 divided doses along with main meals.
Contraindications
Appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, unexplained abdominal pain or bleeding, galactosaemia, watery stool or diarrhoea.
Precautions
Colonic metabolism of lactitol may result in acid-base disturbances, diarrhoea, hypokalaemia and hypernatraemia. Potassium deficiency may increase the risk of toxic effects of glycosides. Monitor serum electrolytes, blood glucose and blood lactate, elderly and debilitate patients, maintain an adequate daily fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Interactions
Increase the potassium losses caused by other medicines (e.g. thiazide, diuretics, corticosteroids, carbenoxolone, and amphotericin B), Digitalis therapyand neomycin.
Pregnancy
Risk cannot be ruled out.
Lactation
Caution advised or effect undetermined.
Side Effects
Abdominal distension, cramp and discomfort,flatu-lence, abdominal nausea, dyspepsia, epigastric pain, pruritus and vomiting, diarrhoea.