Generic
Lactitol
8 brands available in the market
At a glance
Lactitol is a sugar-based medicine used to treat constipation. It works by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis, making the stool soft and easier to pass.
Description
Lactitol Monohydrate is a disaccharide derivative consisting of galactose and sorbitol, which is minimally absorbed and not hydrolyzed by GI disaccharidases, thus reaching the colon unchanged. In the colon, it is broken down to short-chain organic acids by intestinal flora, increasing osmotic pressure and stool water content and volume, producing a laxative effect. Lactitol is virtually 100% bioavailable in the colon lumen. Up to 2% can be found unchanged in urine.
Indications
- Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
- Acute and chronic portal systemic encephalopathy
Therapeutic class
Osmotic Laxative
Pharmacological class
Disaccharide
Pharmacology
Lactitol Monohydrate is a disaccharide derivative that is minimally absorbed and reaches the colon where it is broken down by intestinal flora to organic acids, increasing osmotic pressure and stool volume.
Mechanism of action
Draws water into the intestine through osmosis, softening stool and aiding passage.
Dosage
Constipation (Adult):
- Initial dose: 20 g (2 teaspoonfuls) in a single dose with morning or evening meal
- After a few days: 10 g daily may be sufficient
- Take with plenty of water
Constipation (Children):
- Mean dose: 0.25 g/kg body weight daily
- 1-6 years: 2.5-5 g
- 6-12 years: 5-10 g
- 12-16 years: 10-20 g
Portal Systemic Encephalopathy:
- Initial dose: 0.5-0.7 g/kg body weight daily, divided into 3 doses with meals
Administration
- Measure with a measuring cup and take by mouth
- Can be mixed with hot or cold beverages, puddings, etc.
- Shake well before use
- Take at a fixed time
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain/cramps
- Sensation of fullness
- Abdominal distension
- Nausea (occasional)
- Anal pruritus (occasional)
These effects tend to diminish or disappear after a few days of regular intake.
Precautions & warnings
- Monitor serum electrolytes in elderly or debilitated patients on long-term therapy
- Correct pre-existing fluid or electrolyte imbalance before starting treatment
- Not recommended for ileostomy or colostomy
- Avoid prolonged use of laxatives without interruption
- Do not use with other laxative medicines
- Antacids and neomycin should not be given simultaneously
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredients
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Galactosemia
Drug interactions
- Antacids and neomycin should not be given simultaneously (in cirrhotic patients)
- May increase potassium loss caused by thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, carbenoxolone, amphotericin B
- May enhance the risk of toxic effects of glycosides
Food interactions
Safety with alcohol is not known; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding the use of Lactitol during pregnancy is not available; consult your doctor.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information regarding the use of Lactitol during breastfeeding is not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Pediatric doses are established (weight-based); effective and safe in children above 4 years of age.
Geriatric use
Monitor serum electrolytes in elderly or debilitated patients on long-term therapy.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information available; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No specific overdose information available; excessive doses may increase side effects.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Lactitol