GenRx Lactulose

Generic Name: Lactulose
Product Name: GenRx Lactulose

Indication

Used in the treatment of chronic portal systemic encephalopathy (PSE) as well as chronic and habitual constipation.

Action

Distension, flatulence and intestinal cramps occur in 20%, usually mild and transient. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhoea, which can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance if left untreated

Dose advice

General:- Actilax may be made more palatable by mixing with other drinks such as juice, milk or waterConstipation:- other methods to combat constipation should always be recommended whilst using treatment with Actilax, including drinking lots of water and having a high fibre dietPSE:- improvement in the condition of a PSE patient may take 24-48 hours and it is important not to underdose- long-term continuous therapy is indicated to reduce recurrence- identification and treatment of the underlying liver disease in order to prevent hepatic coma is very importantContraindications:- those who require a low/no galactose or low/no lactose diet- galactosaemia- disaccharidase deficiency- bowel obstructionSpecific considerations:- patients on Actilax who require an investigative procedure of the colon such as proctoscopy or colonoscopy should first have a cleansing procedure with a nonfermentable solution – use with caution in diabetics due to the high sugar content, but Actilax arrives in the colon relatively unchanged, with only a small amount being absorbed into the bloodElderly- serum electrolytes should be measured periodically in elderly patients on Actilax for long periods of time as chronic misuse of laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalancePregnancy:- useful in pregnancy- no damage to foetus shown in animal studiesLactation:- there is no data on use of Actilax in lactationInteractions:neomycin: – may kill the bacteria required by Actilax therefore preventing it from working- has been shown to be a more effective combination in some casesother laxatives:- should not be used with Actilax in treatment of PSE as their production of loose stools may give false evidence that the Actilax treatment is workingantacids:- may prevent Actilax from working properly in the colon due to alterations in pH

Schedule

Common side effects

Distension, flatulence and intestinal cramps occur in 20%, usually mild and transient. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhoea, which can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance if left untreated.