No matter how strange it may sound, one of the most important components of the normal well-being of any person is a daily, regular stool. Constipation is a painful condition that leads to a deterioration in well-being, interfering in everyday affairs and worries. The pharmaceutical industry produces a wide variety of laxatives that normalize the bowel movement. And one of them is Forlax. Instructions for use, reviews of specialists and patients will help to learn about it in more detail.
Stool is an important component of a healthy life.
The vital products of the human body must be removed from it in a timely manner and, say, in full. The gastrointestinal tract is the main system for the delivery of important, necessary, useful components to the body, as well as the formation of unnecessary ballast, which must be removed. The process of defecation - the so-called scientific language is the liberation of the body from waste substances. Violations of such a vital function cause a lot of discomfort, from unpleasant sensations in the intestine, pelvis and perineum to the intoxication of the body with processed substances. Constipation is the misfortune of many modern people of different sex and age, of different social levels, leading a very different lifestyle. Moreover, very often they are ashamed to contact specialists, although violations of the timeliness of bowel movements can be a symptom of very serious health problems. To help the intestines cope with their work, people take laxatives. It is among them that you can find the drug "Forlax". The instructions enclosed by the manufacturer in each package informatively enough about the features of its application.
What works in a medicine?
One of the modern laxatives is Forlax. Instructions for use tell us that one substance works in it - macrogol (Macrogolum). The remaining components by the manufacturer of the drug are used only as excipients. These are substances such as:
- acetic aldehyde (ethanal) is a metabolite that is obtained as a result of alcohol fermentation; it is an active participant in many complex bioreactions;
- alpha terpineol is a monoterpine isomer with antiseptic properties, which is an aromatic component of the drug;
- butylhydroxyanisole (E320) - a food supplement with antioxidant properties;
- gum arabic (acacia gum) is a long-known natural emulsifier - soluble fiber;
- linalool - one of terpinoids, aromatic substance - an active participant in metabolism;
- maltodextrin - molasses obtained by incomplete hydrolysis of starch, which has many useful properties, which is used as a baking powder, a thickener;
- orange oil - a flavoring substance;
- grapefruit oil - flavoring substance;
- octanal - a fragrant substance that, when solo diluted, acquires an orange aroma;
- sulfur dioxide (E220) - a food preservative with antimicrobial properties;
- concentrated orange juice - for taste and aroma;
- sorbitol (E420) - a flavoring food supplement that gives the drug sweetness;
- cis-3-hexenol - aromatic alcohol of leaves used as a food essence;
- citral - an acyclic aldehyde of monoterpene series, having a lemon flavor;
- ethyl butyrate is an aromatic ester of butyric acid.
The instructions for use for children and adults attached to the laxative "Forlax" indicate that these same components work when using the medicine at an early age.
Pharmacological affiliation
One of the pharmacy tools that help to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract and the bowel movement is Forlax. Instructions for use of this drug mention its pharmacological affiliation - laxatives. In itself, this is a very extensive list of drugs that can be divided into separate subgroups that work on different principles:
- chemically irritating the intestinal walls;
- causing mechanical irritation of the receptors of the intestinal mucosa;
- increasing fecal masses, which activates their movement through the intestines, the so-called osmotic laxatives.
Forlax powder belongs to the last group.
Instructions for use of this drug briefly describe the principle of its action - it retains (adsorbs) water. This happens due to the special structure of the macrogol - its long linear polymers hold water molecules well.
Due to the increase in the amount of fluid in the feces, there is an increase in their volume and osmotic pressure in the intestine itself. This causes a subsequent activation of the defecation process and the restoration of the evacuation reflex, expressed in the movement of feces through the intestines. A macrogol also does not cause loss of electrolytes by feces, which allows the pH of the chyme (liquid intestinal contents) to remain stable.
When taking this drug, laxative properties will appear after 24-48 hours, and the substance itself does not adsorb and metabolize, which is confirmed by numerous pharmacokinetic tests.
How is constipation released?
Pharmacy drugs that help get rid of constipation are available in many dosage forms. As a powder, from which a drink is then prepared, you can buy the product "Forlax" (4g). The instructions for it will be the same as for packing in 10 grams of powder. It is in this format that you can buy this remedy to eliminate the problem with defecation. It is a powder having a white color and a citrus aroma, packed in special waterproof sachets. A box of the drug may contain 10 sachets of 10 grams of the drug or 20 sachets of 4 grams of the drug. This laxative is produced by the French pharmaceutical company Beaufour Ipsen (Beaufour Ipsen).
How does the drug work?
Unlike many drugs that can overcome constipation, Forlax is also used for children. The instruction does not divide it into the children's and adult versions - the active component of the macrogol works the same in both cases. The powder is diluted with water, turning into a whitish translucent liquid having the aroma of orange or grapefruit. It must be taken orally. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, the drug is not absorbed and does not have a systemic effect on the body. Moving through the intestines, the macrogol retains fluid, saturating the feces, which increase in volume and due to this, the peristalsis intensifies and the defecation process occurs. Since, as a result of clinical studies, the absolute safety of the drug βForlaxβ was found out, it can be taken to eliminate constipation for people of different ages, starting from 8 years old. The remedy for constipation "Forlax", in which the macrogol works, is not absorbed into the bloodstream, has no effect on the body as a whole, because the scope of its work is limited to the small and large intestines, it is excreted unchanged, without undergoing metabolic processes.
When should I take the medicine?
For the drug "Forlax", the instructions for use stipulate conditions when it can help. This is a symptomatic treatment for defecation delay - constipation. Naturally, to find out the cause of such a problem means to be able to prevent its recurrence. This will help the doctor, as well as advise the most suitable remedy in each case. Also, the drug can be used to cleanse the intestines before medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. For the drug "Forlax" (powder), the instructions for use stipulate a minimum age threshold of 8 years.
If the drug can not be taken?
For the laxative drug "Forlax", the instruction tells about those cases when it is contraindicated for use. These are diseases and conditions such as:
- allergy to the active component or secondary substances of the drug;
- Crohn's disease, which is a chronic inflammatory immuno-mediated granulomatous severe disease of the gastrointestinal tract;
- abdominal pain of unknown etiology;
- diagnosed intestinal obstruction;
- expansion of the colon caused by toxins;
- ulcerative colitis;
- intestinal ulcers.
As for any other medicine, for the laxative "Forlax", the instructions should be carefully read both by the specialist who recommends it for use and by the patient himself in order to exclude the adverse effect of the drug in cases where the patient suffers from the above health problems, but the doctor for some reason does not know about it.
Feasible side effects
Laxatives help establish the bowel movement, but before using any of these drugs, you should still consult a doctor to understand the cause of the problem. He will tell you in what cases you can take "Forlax", instructions for use. For children, the powder can be used in eliminating problems with bowel movements, starting from 8 years of age. Some experts in rare cases recommend it for younger children, but for young patients, the pharmaceutical industry produces special products that take into account the characteristics of the baby's body. Details on the drug "Forlax" instruction. The reviews of patients and doctors allow you to more accurately understand the potential possibility of side effects in the treatment of this tool. It can be:
- allergic reactions;
- bloating;
- diarrhea;
- dehydration.
Such problems appear in adult patients. In children, the side effect of Forlax may occur:
- prolonged and acute abdominal pain;
- excessive gas formation;
- itching
- urticaria;
- flatulence;
- nausea
As noted by those who used the drug to combat constipation, side effects with its use are extremely rare.
How does an overdose of the drug manifest?
The drug for the treatment of constipation "Forlax" should be taken with strict adherence to the dosage of the drug recommended by the attending physician. In case of an overdose, severe diarrhea and / or vomiting occurs. It is also possible the development of electrolyte disturbances. Since there is no specific antidote for macrogol, the drug should be discontinued in case of an overdose, consult a doctor for a specific symptomatic treatment.
How to take the drug?
For the drug "Forlax", the instructions for use describe the algorithm for preparing and receiving the resulting solution, both by adult patients and children from the age of 8 years. The medicine for constipation is available in the form of a powder, packed in a sachet of 4 or 10 grams. If the doctor prescribes the use of the drug 2 times a day, then 4 grams of sachet should be used. A single use per day implies the use of a 10 gram sachet. In some cases, the use of the drug in the morning and evening requires a dilution for taking a sachet of 10 grams per serving. But this moment is decided only by the attending physician. Sometimes 4 gram sachets are called "Forlax" for children. Instructions for use with the drug in such a dosage indicate the possibility of its use to eliminate constipation in children, starting from 6 months. For both children and adults, the drug is prepared as follows:
- In a glass of water, draw clean water at room temperature.
- The sachet is opened with clean hands.
- The contents of the bag should be poured into pre-prepared water.
- Stir thoroughly until the powder dissolves.
- The resulting solution has a whitish color and a translucent texture.
- The solution is drunk immediately after preparation. With a single use per day, the drug should be drunk in the morning, with a double - in the morning and in the evening.
Treatment with this tool is prescribed most often course. The course usually lasts no more than 3 months, especially for children.
Features of the use of the drug
For the drug "Forlax" instructions for use indicate some features of its use. So, this remedy for constipation can be taken by pregnant and breast-feeding women. Numerous studies have not found a teratogenic or systemic effect of a macrogol on the body of a fetus or child receiving breast milk.
The drug in a dosage of 4 grams sachets is often called "Forlax" for children. Instructions for its use to eliminate constipation stipulate that such a dosage is convenient for adults, if the use of the solution in the morning and evening is indicated. course treatment should bring results within 3 months of using the medicine. If this does not happen, and the bowel movement has not returned to normal, a thorough examination must be done to determine the cause of chronic constipation.
To normalize the process of defecation, as well as the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract, the patient needs to adjust the diet by enriching it with products containing fiber, as well as activate physical activity - move more, alternate sedentary work with walking or running.
Joint treatment?
In some cases, the patient has to take several drugs in the same period. According to experts, the use of Forlax to normalize the defecation process can affect the absorption of other drugs, slowing down their adsorption. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this drug. If it is necessary to take a medicine for constipation and a remedy for the treatment of any other disease, it is necessary to maintain an interval of 2 hours between doses of drugs. Also, experts do not recommend the combined use of a remedy for constipation and drugs for the treatment of diarrhea, for example, Imodium tablets. They have the exact opposite effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which can negatively affect the well-being and condition of the patient.
How to buy and how to store?
Tells all the details about how the drug "Forlax" instructions for use. It also indicates that he is dispensed from pharmacies at the request of the buyer without presenting a prescription from a doctor. But this does not mean that such a drug should be taken uncontrollably, without consulting a doctor. This drug should be stored at room temperature, avoiding the effects of high humidity. Shelf life of the drug is 3 years, after its expiration "Forlax" can not be taken! The price of this product depends on the amount of packaging: a box of 10 sachets of 10 grams can be purchased for 130-160 rubles, and a package containing 20 sachets of 4 grams can be bought for 240-270 rubles.
Reviews of specialists and patients about the drug
Quite often used drug "Forlax" for children. Instructions, reviews about it tell about how the drug works, mentioning that it is suitable for children older than 8 years old, and all adult patients. All those who leave reviews about this remedy for constipation are satisfied with the drug, as it is convenient to take, it helps to solve the existing problem with bowel movements, and the time during which the drug starts to work, makes it possible to plan the day so that you are ready to "responsible moment." Experts note, as a positive side, the rare occurrence of side effects and the effectiveness of the drug.
Are there any analogues?
The high molecular weight macrogol polymer is an active ingredient in more than just a laxative called Forlax. He also works in drugs such as Fortrans, Lavacol, Osmogol, which are also taken as a solution. But the drug "Microlax", which appeared on the pharmacy shelves not so long ago, is available in the form of microclysters. A specialist will advise on which tool to choose in a particular case.
A frequently purchased remedy for constipation is Forlax. The instructions for its use, which the manufacturer puts in each package of the product, will allow you to learn more about the active substance that works in this medicine, the mode of use, and the potential for side effects. But every person who encounters a problem with stool disorders should be examined to find out its cause, and only then use certain means recommended by a specialist.