Lactulone is an osmotic laxative whose active substance is Lactulose, a substance capable of making stools softer by retaining water in the large intestine, being indicated to treat constipation.
This medicine is available in syrup form, and its effects are usually obtained after using it for a few days in a row, since its function is to restore the regular functioning of the intestine by intensifying the accumulation of water in the fecal cake.
Lactulone is produced by Daiichi Sankyo Brasil Farmacêutica laboratories, found in the main pharmacies, and is also available in its generic form or similar to other brands, such as Lactuliv. Its price is between 30 to 50 reais per bottle, which varies according to where it is sold.
What is it for
Lactulone is indicated for those who suffer from constipation, because in addition to increasing the number of bowel movements, it reduces abdominal pain and other discomfort caused by this problem.
In addition, this medicine is indicated for the prevention of encephalopathy of the liver (including the stages of pre-coma or hepatic coma), due to the improvement of the functioning of the intestine.
How to take
Lactulone can be taken preferably in a single dose in the morning or at night, alone or mixed with water or food, such as fruit juice, milk, yogurt, for example, always following medical advice.
The dose used is indicated as follows:
Adults
- Chronic constipation: Administer 15 to 30 ml of lactulone daily. Encephalopathy of the liver: Start treatment with 60 ml per day, reaching, in severe cases, up to 150 ml daily.
Children
-
Constipation:
- 1 to 5 years of age: Administer 5 to 10 ml of Lactulone daily. 6 to 12 years of age: Administer 10 to 15 ml of Lactulone daily. Above 12 years of age: Administer 15 to 30 ml of Lactulone daily.
Because it is not a gut-irritating medication, Lactulose can be used for long-term treatment for people without contraindications, having a safer use than gut-stimulating laxatives, such as Bisacodyl, for example. Understand the dangers of using laxatives.
Possible side effects
Some of the main side effects of Lactulone include abdominal cramps, gas, belching, diarrhea, belly swelling, feeling sick.
Who should not use
Lactulone is contraindicated in cases of:
- Allergy to the active ingredient or any component of the formula; Intolerance to sugars such as lactose, galactose and fructose, as they may be present in the formula; Gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, appendicitis, bleeding or intestinal obstruction or diverticulitis, for example; the intestinal preparation of people who will be submitted to proctological exams with the use of electrocautery.
In addition, it should be avoided or used only under medical advice in cases of pregnancy, breastfeeding and people with diabetes.
