"Lactulose" (syrup): instructions for use, indications, composition, reviews

For effective treatment of constipation in children and young infants, Lactulose syrup is actively used. Instructions for use contain information that this medication is a high-quality laxative. The drug is absolutely safe for the developing organism, as it has a minimum of adverse reactions. But before using this medication, you must definitely consult your doctor to eliminate the likelihood of developing unwanted adverse reactions.

Description

To combat constipation, pediatricians recommend the use of Lactulose syrup. In the instructions for use, manufacturers described in detail all the properties of this medicine. The drug is based on a component that is a synthetic variant of lactose disaccharide. In nature, such a substance does not occur, since it is synthesized in the pharmaceutical industry in order to be further used to combat various pathologies. In its original form, lactulose is an ordinary white powder, but for treatment it is used in the form of a syrup.

In traditional medicine, Lactulose syrup is used to effectively combat severe constipation, as well as to restore the natural balance of microflora in the intestine. The instructions for use indicate that with this medication you can conduct various diagnostic examinations of the body. A characteristic feature of lactulose is that in the human body there are no biological enzymes that could contribute to the digestion of this component. And this means that the substance necessarily enters the intestines, where it begins to act actively.

Pharmacodynamics

Qualified pediatricians quite often prescribe Lactulose syrup for infants. Reviews of specialists and patients about this medication indicate that the active component does not affect the mucous membrane and muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. The correct dosage of the syrup contributes to the absorption of ammonia and its further neutralization, due to this, the total amount of toxic substances that enter the bloodstream is reduced. The medication has a specific negative effect on the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, which contributes to the speedy improvement of the patient's well-being.

Pharmacokinetics

For the treatment of infants and older children use Lactulose syrup. The composition of the medication is selected so that the active component is absorbed into the bloodstream in a minimal amount. The drug does not affect the degree of assimilation of vitamins and other beneficial substances. It is not addictive and withdrawal. With the breakdown of the active substance in the cavity of the small intestine, a safe acid is formed. The remains of the drug are excreted naturally with urine.

Composition and form of release

In modern pediatrics, Lactulose syrup has received great demand. In the instructions for use, manufacturers indicated that lactulose is used as the main component. 100 ml contains 66.7 grams of active substance. As auxiliary components, purified water and citric acid are used. For high-quality dosing, a small measuring cup is attached to the bottle with syrup.

The medicine is sold in liquid form. One bottle may contain 200, 500 or 1000 ml of syrup. The drug has a pleasant taste and a viscous consistency. The syrup is colorless, but in some cases a yellow or light brown shade may be present.

Indications for use

In modern pediatrics, the universal laxative syrup "Lactulose" has received great demand. Indications for use of this medication are as follows:

1. Severe constipation.
2. Hepatic coma.
3. Hemorrhoids, which arose amid difficulties with bowel movements.
4. Dysbacteriosis

This drug is increasingly used in preparation for various examinations of the gastrointestinal tract. If the patient needs to clean the intestines without injuring the rectum, then applying a classic enema is prohibited, but the Lactulose syrup does an excellent job.

Contraindications

For the treatment of dysbiosis and constipation in infants, experts recommend the use of Lactulose syrup. Side effects occur in isolated cases. The deterioration of the well-being of a small patient may be due to the fact that before the start of treatment the patient's parents did not study the instructions well. Syrup "Lactulose" is prohibited in the following cases:

1. Galactosemia.
2. Intolerance to the components of the drug.
3. Suspicion of appendicitis, intestinal obstruction.
4. Rectal bleeding.
5. An acute shortage of lactase in the body.
6. Glucose-galactose malabsorption.
7. Intolerance to the body of galactose, fructose.

If a child has been diagnosed with diabetes, then syrup can be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Treatment regimen

To eliminate problems with bowel movements, experts recommend giving Lactulose syrup to small patients once a day. The price of this medication is more than affordable, so that you do not need to have large financial savings to undergo a full course of treatment. The entire daily dose of syrup is given at the same time, best after breakfast. It is preferable for babies to give medication even before feeding, so that the baby can not subsequently burp the drug. To determine the optimal dose, a measuring cup should be used. The smallest patients are given medicine with a syringe without a needle.

The duration of therapy is determined individually. For a child in the first year of life, 5 ml of the drug per day is enough. Children from 1 to 7 years old should be given syrup from 5 to 10 ml per day. You can overcome constipation in an older child only if you increase the dosage to 15 ml.

Approaching the treatment of children should be as responsible as possible, since an unformed organism can suddenly react to the components of the drug. You need to start therapy with lower doses in order to avoid undesirable effects.

Adverse reactions

Numerous reviews of parents of young children have shown that Lactulose syrup is very effective in normalizing natural bowel movements in children. How to take this medication, you can understand if you carefully study the instructions. The main adverse reactions include:

1. Weakness in the whole body.
2. Headaches.
3. Allergic reactions.
4. Muscle pains.
5. Dizziness.
6. Heart rhythm disturbance.
7. Nausea.
8. Violation of the water-electrolyte balance.

Qualified doctors categorically do not recommend self-medication, since only after a full examination of the body can you choose the most suitable course of treatment. If at least one adverse reaction occurs, it is imperative to interrupt therapy and seek help from the hospital.

Interaction with other medicines

When visiting a doctor, it is imperative to inform a specialist about all recently taken medications, even those that are sold in modern pharmacies without a prescription. The active component of Lactulose syrup lowers the pH level in the colon, which can significantly reduce the effect of medications, the release of which directly depends on biological parameters. “Lactulose” has a specific synergistic effect with neomycin during the treatment of diagnosed hepatic encephalopathy. Long-term use of syrup in large doses is fraught with a decrease in the total concentration of potassium in the blood serum, which may result in increased action of cardiac glycosides.

special instructions

If the patient experiences diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, then syrup can be used only after a qualified diagnosis of pathology and basic laboratory tests. Patients with diabetes are advised to consult a doctor first. If a child undergoes a long course of treatment, then it is extremely important to control the content of carbon dioxide, chlorine and potassium in the blood. If you experience abdominal pain and diarrhea, stop treatment immediately.

Available analogues

In most cases, all children tolerate treatment with Lactulose syrup well. The price of this medication compares favorably with its availability, but due to the individual characteristics of the body, in some cases, a qualitative analogue may be needed. The following medicines can replace Lactulose syrup:

1. "Bionorm."
2. "Dufalac."
3. "Lactuvit."
4. Portalac.
5. "Bioflorax".
6. "Laxarin."
7. Depurax.

Before buying a medication, you must consult your doctor so that he assesses the real condition of the child and prescribes the most suitable drug.

Universal combination agents are also on sale, in which the main component of lactulose is only one of the list of active substances. For example: the composition of the popular "Lactofiltrum" contains hydrolytic lignin, which has the properties of an enterosorbent. Such tablets are most often prescribed for children over 1 year old with dysbiosis, atopic dermatitis, as well as other health problems. Combination therapy helps to get rid of bloating, bad breath, as well as other uncomfortable manifestations.

In addition to those drugs that contain universal lactulose, other medicines can also overcome constipation in a child. Glycerin-based suppositories, called “Glycelax,” are in great demand. For the treatment of children, this medication can be used from three months.