Today there are a huge number of laxatives on the market with their own advantages and disadvantages. At the same time, doctors recommend choosing safe, natural-based products that have a minimum number of contraindications and side effects. This category includes Lactulose, which is based on processed milk. The drug has a laxative effect and accelerates the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the stomach, which are responsible for a stable digestive process. A full description of the drug Lactulose and instructions for use are presented below.
Release form and composition
In the pharmacy you can simultaneously find several convenient forms intended for patients of different age categories, for example, Lactulose tablets or Lactulose syrup for children. Moreover, all existing mixtures with lactulose for adults and children contain only one active ingredient, namely lactulose.
Lactulose Forte or Lactulose Premium have different dosages, namely from 200 to 1000 ml or 30 tablets per package. This makes it easy to select the optimal form and dose of the drug, taking into account the age and health status of a particular patient.
Available analogues
In most cases, all children tolerate treatment with Lactulose syrup well. The price of this medication compares favorably with its affordability, but due to the individual characteristics of the body, in some cases a high-quality analogue may be needed. The following medications can replace Lactulose syrup:
- "Bionorm".
- "Dufalak".
- "Lactuvit."
- "Portalak".
- "Bioflorax".
- "Laxarin."
- "Depurax".
Before purchasing a medication, you must consult with your doctor so that he can assess the child’s actual condition and prescribe the most appropriate drug.
There are also universal combination products on sale, in which the main component 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 to children over 1 year of age for dysbiosis, atopic dermatitis, and other health problems. Combination therapy helps get rid of bloating, bad breath, and other discomfort.
In addition to those medications that contain universal lactulose, other medications 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.
Indications for use
Lactulose in syrup or tablets is recommended in the following cases:
- For constipation of various types. This can be either normal or chronic constipation.
- Hepatic encephalopathy and salmonellosis.
- For diseases of the central nervous system.
- In case of food or chemical poisoning.
- For intestinal dysbiosis.
- After long-term drug treatment to restore normal levels of beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
- After surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
- For complex treatment of hemorrhoids, which are accompanied by anal fissures.
pharmachologic effect
The substance produces a laxative effect and improves the functioning of the digestive tract. It is used for constipation of varying levels of complexity. It has a mild stimulating effect on the intestines, which increases its peristalsis.
Pharmacodynamics
The action of the substance Lactulose is aimed at increasing beneficial lactic acids in the body, thereby increasing the level of intestinal functioning. The active component helps to liquefy and increase stool.
The drug has a mild effect without disturbing the mucous membranes of the digestive organs. The action of Lactulose reduces the development of harmful microorganisms and blocks the fermentation process, this effect helps to improve the microflora in the digestive organs.
Pharmacokinetics
After using Lactulose, almost its entire volume remains in the digestive organs and does not spread throughout the body through the bloodstream.
The drug begins its action in the colon, and part of the drug is excreted from the body unchanged.
The use of a medicinal substance does not wash away beneficial compounds from the body, while blocking the growth and development of parasites.
The effect of the substance begins 12–24 hours after application.
Directions for use and dosage
The manufacturer recommends taking lactulose in the morning immediately before breakfast to start the digestive process and speed up natural bowel movements. Can be mixed with various liquids, such as juice. Prescribed mainly once a day, taking into account the age and health characteristics of the individual patient.
For adults
Lactulose Premium is prescribed to adults in various dosages depending on the type of disease.
So, we offer the following doses of lactulose:
- For constipation - from 15 to 45 ml per day. For severe or chronic constipation, the dose can be increased to 60 ml, but only after the doctor's permission. When the first positive symptoms appear, the dose is gradually reduced to the minimum.
- If liver function is impaired, 30 to 50 ml are prescribed two or three times a day. In this case, the maximum dose should not exceed 190 ml.
- If there are parasites and worms in the intestines, 15 ml is prescribed three times a day. Duration of treatment is up to two weeks. The dose can be increased to 20 ml. Take a week break and repeat the treatment.
For children
The drug contains only natural and safe ingredients, therefore it is allowed almost from the first days of the baby’s life, if there are no contraindications.
So, it is recommended to adhere to the following dosage:
- Lactulose syrup for newborns with constipation is prescribed 10 ml once a day. After the first positive symptoms appear, the dose is reduced to 5 ml per day.
- Children from 1 to 6 years old: 15 ml per day. To consolidate the effect, continue to take 10 ml per day.
- Children from 7 to 14 years old are allowed up to 30 ml per day. After obtaining a positive effect, the dose is reduced to 20 ml per day.
Usually the first positive effect occurs already on the third day after taking the drug. The duration of treatment is determined only by the doctor after making an accurate diagnosis.
During pregnancy and lactation
If there are no contraindications, then lactulose is safely prescribed during pregnancy. There were no recorded negative effects on the fetus. If you are breastfeeding, you should definitely consult your doctor. Lactulose can enter the baby's body through breast milk and cause various side effects, such as diarrhea.
Description
To combat constipation, pediatricians recommend using Lactulose syrup. In the instructions for use, the manufacturers described in detail all the properties of this medicine. The drug is based on a component that is a synthetic version of the disaccharide lactose. Such a substance is not found in nature, since it is synthesized in the pharmaceutical industry in order to be used in the future to combat various pathologies. In its original form, lactulose is an ordinary white powder, but for treatment it is used in the form of 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 intestines. The instructions for use indicate that with the help of this medication you can carry out various diagnostic examinations of the body. A characteristic feature of lactulose is that there are no biological enzymes in the human body that could facilitate the digestion of this component. This means that the substance necessarily enters the intestines, where it begins to actively act.
Rules for taking the drug
Lactulose can be used if the baby is already 1.5 months old. The duration of treatment directly depends on the individual characteristics of the disease. Sometimes problems with the gastrointestinal tract are additionally accompanied by other symptoms.
If the child is not yet 12 months old, then he should drink no more than 5 ml of the drug during the day. Constipation usually goes away with severe pain. In this case, it is allowed to double the dose. However, such a reception can last no more than three days. For older children, it is allowed to add the drug to juice or any other liquid. The syrup is best drunk during meals. Shake the bottle thoroughly before use.
If the child is not yet eating solid food, then the drug is given to him immediately after the meal. If the course of treatment is more than six months, the child must constantly donate blood to monitor basic indicators. Lactulose cannot act fully if the baby has additionally been prescribed antibiotics.
Lactulose comes in a convenient syrup form
Reviews
Veronica, 34 years old Lactulose was prescribed to my baby to treat constipation. My impressions of taking the drug remained positive. The effect was clear after three days of use. Before use, I received advice on this issue from a therapist. He assured me that lactulose allergies are extremely rare in infants. Among the additional advantages, I would like to note the release form of the drug – syrup. The baby is not capricious and happily drinks it.
Galina, 27 years old My son had severe dysbiosis. Against this background, serious problems with stool developed. The doctor prescribed us lactulose. I was breastfeeding, so he advised me to also be careful about my own diet. It turns out that there are foods that provoke the development of dysbiosis in infants. They are digested and pass into breast milk. Additionally, I would like to share my knowledge that lactulose is found in lingonberries, currants, radishes, apricots, dried apricots, greens and cabbage. That is why these products are now always present in small quantities in my diet. Thanks to a set of these measures, I was able to improve the digestive process of the baby.
Duphalac or Lactulose?
The drugs have similar effects on the body, however, some features should be highlighted:
| Duphalac | Lactulose |
| Active ingredient Lactulose | |
| Has a greater amount of active ingredient than Lactulose | Has a gentler effect on the body |
| Cost from 300 rubles | Price from 200 rubles |
| Acts in the colon, stimulates the intestines | |
| Used in pediatrics and during pregnancy | |
Duphalac
Lactulose
Medicines are similar and can replace each other if necessary. A medical specialist will help you determine the correct type of drug after conducting the necessary type of examination.
Kefir with Lactulose
Clinical trials have found that kefir with Lactulose helps increase the number of lacto- and bifidobacteria in the large intestine.
With regular consumption of this lactic acid product, pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora are suppressed. Constipation is eliminated and other manifestations of intestinal disorders are minimized. The manifestations of atopic dermatitis are reduced and appetite improves.
Kefir enriched with Lactulose is recommended for daily use by young children in order to prevent intestinal dysfunctions and intestinal dysbiosis.
Lactulose does not affect the taste of kefir at all.
