A drug with the trade name "Lactulose", its analogues and substitutes belong to the group of drugs that regulate intestinal activity. Recently, this tool is increasingly prescribed to patients suffering from intestinal diseases. Many doctors report the safety of the composition. From this article you will learn what the instructions for use say about the drug "Lactulose". Analogues of the drug will be presented to your attention below.
What kind of medicine is this?
The drug "Lactulose", analogues and its substitutes are laxatives. The active substance of the same name is practically not absorbed into the intestine. This is what determines the safety of the medication.
The active substance is lactulose. Also in the preparation there are additional components - galactose, water and lactose. It is worth noting that the analogues of the original drug may contain active components in different quantities.
How does the medicine work?
The tool "Lactulose", analogues and substitutes for the drug are not able to be absorbed into the blood. All due to the fact that a person does not have an enzyme that digests the active substance. The drug works in the intestines. It increases the amount of feces and helps to attract water.
As a result of this effect, there is an increase in pressure on the intestinal wall. The result of this algorithm is the appearance of urge to defecate. It is worth noting that the effect of the drug and its substitutes does not occur instantly. Stool is noted only 6-8 hours after application.
How to replace the composition?
Like many other medicines, the drug "Lactulose" has analogues. Among them, one can distinguish absolute substitutes that contain the same components. Also, the patient may prefer relative analogues. These are such drugs in which another active substance works, but the effect of the correction is the same.
Medicines with absolute coincidence of the active substance can be distinguished as follows: Laxilac or Livolyuk, Lactusan or Portolak. One of the most popular substitutes is the drug Dufalac.
When it comes to relative analogues, the following compositions are distinguished: “Gutasil” or “Gutalaks”, “Senade” or “Mikrolaks”. The most popular substitute for the original remedy with another active substance was the medicine "Glycelax" or "Glycerin suppositories."
"Lactulose": application
The way you use the original drug and its substitutes may vary slightly. That is why you need to carefully read the instructions before and use. Reviews of doctors report that it is worth starting with a minimum dosage of the drug. This will help you to avoid the need to use large volumes of Lactulose and its analogues in the future.
The first time the drug is prescribed in a dosage of 15 to 190 milliliters per day. The use of the composition is performed once. It is advisable to carry out manipulation in the morning, during the first meal. Depending on the symptoms and nature of the pathology, the medication can be used both one-time and according to the scheme. The latter method is selected individually and depends on many factors.
How is Lactulose corrective for children prescribed? For babies immediately after birth and up to 6 years, the composition is recommended in a dose of 5 to 10 milliliters. For older children, the medication is prescribed for 10-15 milliliters. The duration of use is determined by the doctor.
Contraindications and side effects of drugs
The medicine "Lactulose" (syrup), analogues and absolute substitutes are not prescribed for individual sensitivity to the components. Also, the drug is contraindicated in galactosemia.
In some cases, the use of the medication may be accompanied by increased gas formation, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. With excessive use and non-compliance with the prescribed dosage, there is a likelihood of developing diarrhea. However, this symptom passes on its own on the second day of the cancellation of the correction. With the development of an allergic reaction of any nature, you should consult a doctor.
The benefits of lactulose
Why is the active substance of the described drug and its analogues so useful? Lactulose is a unique component. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream and, therefore, cannot affect human health. That is why it is prescribed even to newborn children and expectant mothers.
The drug and its analogues not only regulate the digestive tract, but also affect its microflora. So, beneficial bacteria are able to bind to lactulose. This environment is favorable for them. The drug helps to suppress pathogenic microflora, eliminating the processes of fermentation and decay. Only at the very first stages of correction can the opposite effect be observed.
The medicine is often prescribed for newborn babies who are breast-fed. For such babies, the medication helps to quickly adapt to the selected diet and avoid digestive problems.
Drug Reviews
The drug "Lactulose" reviews in most cases are good. Negative opinions were formed only among those consumers who violated the instructions for use and used the drug incorrectly. On the analogues of the composition of "Lactulose" reviews are formed negative because of the expensive cost. So, the original medication will cost you about 300 rubles. Whereas its popular counterpart, Dufalac, costs almost twice as much.
What are the means of "Lactulose" cheap analogues? What do pharmacists say about such formulations? Merchants report that Glycerin Suppositories are the most affordable and cheapest alternative to the original drug. However, their active substance is different. Among the absolute analogues, there is no cheaper medicine.
Patients using this drug report that it almost never causes a negative reaction. However, with simultaneous use with antibiotics, its effectiveness may be reduced. All due to the fact that compounds with a similar effect affect not only pathogenic microflora, but also eliminate beneficial microorganisms.
Patients say that the action of drugs containing lactulose occurs after a few hours. In this, the preparations are inferior to some of its relative analogues. For example, the effect of the use of Microlax or Glycelax is noticeable after five minutes. Despite this, the described medicine is chosen for treatment by doctors around the world. All because it is safe. It is worth recalling that for patients with individual intolerance, the composition will not only not help, but also harm.
Summarizing
You have learned about an effective and efficient composition called Lactulose. Its analogues and substitutes are presented to your attention in the article. Some formulations become an alternative in treatment when it is not possible to use the original drug. However, before such a replacement, it is worth consulting with a specialist. After all, improper use of the drug can lead to the development of side effects or worsening of the patient's condition. Buy drugs and their substitutes only in specialized outlets, observe the terms and conditions of storage. I wish you good health!