Unfortunately, problems with stools are by no means uncommon. Not a single person is insured against constipation, regardless of gender and age. This is an extremely unpleasant and uncomfortable problem. However, modern medicine offers many ways to normalize the intestines. And one of the rather effective drugs is Regulax (drops). Instructions for use here are quite simple, and the number of contraindications and adverse reactions is minimal. That is why doctors recommend this remedy to patients.
But what is the drug? What is included in its composition? How to take drops? How much is the medicine? The answers to these questions are sought by many readers.
The drug "Regulax": composition and form of release
In modern medicine, problems with stools are often resolved precisely thanks to this drug. So what is Regulax? Its composition is completely safe for health, and the form of release is drops for oral administration. The main active ingredient is sodium picosulfate monohydrate. One milliliter of a solution (this equals approximately 20 drops) contains 7.5 mg of this component.
As auxiliary substances in the composition there is purified water for injection, as well as a 70% solution of sorbitol and propylene glycol. The solution is transparent, colorless, placed in a glass bottle with a convenient dropper nozzle. In the pharmacy you can buy bottles of 20 or 50 ml.
The main pharmacological properties
The main active component of the drops, sodium picosulfate , is assigned to the group of contact laxatives. This substance is activated in the large intestine by bacterial sulfatases. After this, the component stimulates the nerve endings of the intestinal mucosa, which leads to increased motility of the walls.
Thus, the drops regulate the normal functioning of the intestine, increasing peristalsis and increasing the volume of feces, which ensures timely and painless emptying.
It is worth noting that the medicine is practically not absorbed by the walls of the small intestine, so the systemic effect is weakly expressed. After cleavage by bacteria in the large intestine, a diphenol compound forms, which partially penetrates the tissues and, after the conjugation process, is excreted together with bile. A small part of the drug is excreted from the body along with urine in the form of glucuronide. But for the most part, the medicine is excreted along with feces in the form of picosulfate itself or free diphenol.
The maximum effect is observed after about 10-12 hours after taking the drops.
Indications for use of the drug
Many people are interested in questions about when it is advisable to take Regulax picosulfate.
Drops are prescribed in the following cases:
- with atony of the intestine;
- with various types of constipation (except spastic), which occur against the background of prolonged immobilization, a serious condition of the body, impaired normal metabolism, diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- with constipation, which appeared as a result of a change in diet regimen and nature;
- in gynecological and obstetric practice, drops are used to facilitate bowel movements with anal fissures and hemorrhoids;
- indications for use are constipation in patients who suffer from severe arterial hypertension, inoperable hernias, or have recently suffered myocardial infarction;
- in the pre- and postoperative period, patients are often prescribed laxatives; "Regulax" is considered a fairly effective drug and is often used in surgery;
- Also, the medication is used to quickly cleanse the intestines before conducting various surgical and some diagnostic procedures, instrumental examinations.
The drug "Regulax" (drops): instructions for use
Only a doctor can prescribe this drug. How to take "Regulax" (drops)? It is advisable to do this before bedtime, since the visible effect of the reception appears after 10 hours.
Dosage is determined individually. For adult patients, as well as children over 12 years old, doctors usually prescribe 13 drops of the drug. In the absence of effect or persistent constipation, the dose can be increased to 26 drops. Take the entire amount of medicine at a time. The duration of the course of therapy is individual, but doctors do not recommend using it for more than seven consecutive days.
Can I take drops during pregnancy?
It is no secret to anyone that while carrying a child a woman is faced with a variety of digestive disorders, ranging from heartburn and ending with stool disorders. For future mothers, constipation is not uncommon. So is it possible to take the drug "Regulax" during pregnancy? It is no secret to anyone that during this period of life a woman needs to be extremely careful with medications.
It is immediately worth noting that the administration of Regulax drops during pregnancy is not often recommended by specialists. During the first trimester, this medicine is strictly contraindicated. At later dates, only a short-term intake is possible - the drug is used as an emergency measure, but only after a complete diagnosis and permission of the doctor.
Features of the treatment of pediatric patients
It’s worth saying right away that the drug “Regulax” can be prescribed to children only by the attending physician - in no case should a child be given drops without first consulting a specialist! For children under the age of four, this drug is contraindicated.
Children from 4 to 12 years old, as a rule, take 6-12 drops per day (this is the maximum amount). The duration of therapy should not exceed 5-7 days.
Are there any contraindications?
Is it possible for all categories of patients to take Regulax (drops)? Instructions for use indicate that contraindications to therapy exist, so you should familiarize yourself with their list.
To begin with, it must be said that in the presence of hypersensitivity to any of the constituent components, it is better not to use drops. The drug also has some other restrictions - it can not be taken for children under four years of age, pregnant women (especially in the first trimester). With caution, drops are prescribed during breastfeeding, as they can affect the condition of the baby.
This medicine is not used to treat spastic constipation. Contraindications also include cystitis, metrorrhagia, peritonitis, inflammatory diseases of any abdominal organs and intestinal obstruction. Drops are not prescribed in the presence of abdominal pain of unknown origin - first you need to diagnose. The drug can be dangerous in the presence of a restrained hernia and severe forms of dehydration. Gastrointestinal bleeding is also a contraindication to treatment.
Possible adverse reactions
In fact, side effects are rarely recorded, especially if the patient follows all the doctor's recommendations. Only occasionally after taking the drops is abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea observed.
But prolonged use of the drug is fraught with more serious consequences. The fact is that the constant use of laxatives ultimately leads to the loss of water, the imbalance of electrolytes (in particular, potassium). Such changes affect the work of the whole organism - patients have muscle weakness, lowering blood pressure, impaired heart function, intestinal atony, etc.
Overdose, its symptoms and treatment
It is immediately worth noting that in medical practice, an overdose of Regulax (drops) is extremely rare. Instructions for use indicate that taking too large a dose can cause spastic abdominal pain, as well as severe diarrhea. Chronic overdose, which is observed with too long a large amount of solution, is fraught with more serious complications. Some patients develop urolithiasis, ischemia of the mucous membrane of the large intestine, less often secondary hyperaldosteronism and damage to the renal tubules.
Treatment comes down to washing the stomach (if appropriate), as well as eliminating the main symptoms and correcting the balance of water and electrolytes.
How much is the drug?
For many patients, the question of the cost of a particular medicine is very important. It’s worth saying right away that the price depends on many factors, including the manufacturing company, city of residence, pharmacy pricing policy, etc.
A bottle of 20 ml will cost you about 230-300 rubles. In fact, the price is not so high, as some laxatives are much more expensive.
Analogues of the drug "Regulax"
For one reason or another, this drug may not be suitable for patients. For example, some people suffer from hypersensitivity, while for others, price, etc. is an important factor. Therefore, many are wondering whether effective analogues exist.
Regulax, of course, can be replaced. For example, drugs like Guttalax, Slabilax, and Picolax have the same composition and properties. All of these drugs are also available in the form of oral drops and provide irritation and stimulation of the intestinal wall.
There are medicines with other pharmacological properties. For example, some doctors recommend replacing drops with Duphalac syrup, which, incidentally, is allowed even for children of primary preschool age. Pretty good laxatives are drugs such as Enterolax, Laxigal and Angiolax Pico.
Reviews of patients and doctors
Many doctors today recommend Regulax laxative drops to their patients. Specialists respond well to this tool, as it helps to fix the problem and at the same time rarely leads to any side effects. In surgery, this tool is really indispensable, as it helps to prevent the development of various complications in the intestines after the procedures.
Patients also respond positively to this drug. Indeed, it is best to drink the medicine in the evening, before going to bed. Nevertheless, it is better to stay home the next day, as bowel movement may take some time. The medicine has neither taste nor smell, so it suits even the most demanding patients. A convenient dispenser helps to accurately measure the required number of drops.
Unlike some other laxatives, Regulax drops rarely cause symptoms such as pain and bloating - bowel movement is quick and without any problems. And, of course, its price is quite affordable, especially considering the effect and comparative safety of the medicine.