Currently, the windows of pharmacy stalls are full of a variety of names of medicines. How not to make a mistake and choose exactly the tool that you need? In order to receive the correct and correct treatment, you should consult a doctor before using this or that drug. After all, it is a specialist who, if necessary, will conduct a number of studies and will be able to recommend a suitable medication. In this article, we will talk about the medicine "Lactulose." What is it, you can find out more. After reading, you will understand the features of the drug.
Type of medication and possible analogues
"Lactulose": what is it? This drug contains the same active substance in its composition. In addition to it, there are other drugs in which the component is present. The most popular trade names for such products are Dufalac, Poslabin, Livolyuk, Normese and Lactusan.
Most drugs have additional components. The medicine “Lactulose” has the following composition: lactulose, purified water and citric acid. The medicine is also available in powder form for the preparation of a solution.
Indications for use
Medication "Lactulose": what is it? This medicine is intended to normalize the work of the stomach and intestines. Indications for use are the following situations:
- dysbiosis of various etiologies;
- constipation, including chronic;
- condition after surgical manipulations in the intestine;
- hemorrhoids and anal fissures (in complex therapy);
- hepatic coma and encephalopathy.
The medicine can be used in conjunction with other medicines (antibiotics, sorbents, immunomodulators, anticoagulants, and so on). Often, the drug is prescribed simultaneously with a complex of beneficial bacteria.
Contraindications
The medicine is usually well tolerated by patients and does not cause any adverse reactions. The composition is not recommended for use with hypersensitivity to the components. Also, in the treatment of patients with lactase deficiency , a deterioration in well-being may occur. The medication is forbidden to use in cases of suspected internal bleeding. The medicine should not be used for intestinal obstruction and appendicitis.
With extreme caution, the medicine "Lactulose" for newborns is prescribed. Also, patients with diabetes need to monitor their health during the treatment period.
Use during pregnancy: is it possible to take Lactulose?
The drug is absolutely safe. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream and acts exclusively in the intestinal region. The medication does not have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. That is why the composition is often assigned to expectant mothers and nursing women.
However, it is worth remembering that self-medication during pregnancy is unacceptable. The medicine should be prescribed by a specialist. In this case, all the features of the future mother are taken into account and an individual dosage of the composition is selected.
Method of using the medication
Laxatives (Lactulose and others) can be used as needed or regularly. The undoubted advantage of the described substance is that it is not addictive. The composition is appointed taking into account complaints in each age group individually.
For adults with acute constipation, 15 to 45 ml is prescribed. In order to maintain normal stool - from 10 to 25 ml. For children from 7 years, the drug is shown in 10-15 ml. Babies under 6 years of age should take a medicine of 5-10 ml.
Separately, it is worth mentioning how “Lactulose” is used for infants. The medication is indicated from one and a half months from birth in a dose of 5 ml per day. However, at the first application it is worth giving the baby only 1 ml. If this amount of drug helps, then increase the serving is not worth it. The medication is taken during the period indicated by the doctor or as necessary. For newborn babies, the composition can first be diluted with water or milk.
Drug action
In most cases, the medicine is well tolerated by patients. The drug penetrates the intestines, where it creates a breeding ground for the growth and reproduction of beneficial bacteria. Lactulose is not digested in the stomach, it is not absorbed by the human body. However, microorganisms living in the intestine feed on it. The drug creates an effect of swelling, it softens the stool and enhances the urge to defecate.
Sometimes at the very beginning of treatment, the patient may experience an increase in flatulence. In this case, after a few days all the symptoms go away. Composition when using large doses can cause a violation of the water-salt balance in the body. That is why it is worth consuming a sufficient amount of liquid at the same time. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache rarely occur.
Opinions about the drug: reviews of doctors and patients
What do parents say about Lactulose medication for newborns? Customer reviews are mostly good. Patients note that the effect of the drug begins the next day. Do not wait for the instant effect, as from an enema. The medicine accumulates in the intestine, enhancing its work. Parents of the kids say that the children really like the medicine. After all, it has a sweet taste. Children take medication without difficulty. One of the main advantages of the substance is that it is not addictive. So, many other laxatives cannot be used regularly. The same medicine is acceptable for use for a long time.
Patients also note the attractive cost of the drug. Syrup "Lactulose" costs about 200 rubles. Whereas its analogues (for example, Dufalac) will cost you 400-500 rubles. The final cost of the drug must be found in pharmacy chains. After all, all prices are set there.
Doctors report that the active substance of lactulose is one of the safest. The advantage of therapy will be that the consumer will not only normalize the stool, but will also be able to regulate the intestinal microflora. The medicine promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, which, in turn, destroy pathogenic microorganisms. The safety of the drug is confirmed by many studies and experiments. Therefore, it can be used to treat pregnant women and newborns. The medicine is used by women during lactation. Also, the composition does not affect the ability to drive vehicles and is not contraindicated in the use of alcoholic beverages.
Short conclusion: article results
The drug "Lactulose": what is it? You could get the answer to this question from the submitted article. Also, some means are presented for your attention, incorporating the component of the same name. The medicine can be purchased in almost every pharmacy chain. For this, you will never require a prescription from a doctor. It is worth noting that when combining funds with some drugs, you must definitely take a short break. So, with the simultaneous use of sorbents, the interval between the compositions should be at least two hours. Otherwise, the effect of the described means will be reduced. You feel good, do not be sick!