Lacasil 10g15ml 120ml Syrup 1s

What it is used for: Constipation.

Indications as listed by the manufacturer: Symptomatic treatment of constipation ; Hepatic encephalopathy.

How it works: Lactitol is a disaccharide derivative consisting of galactose and sorbitol which is only minimally absorbed and is not hydrolyzed by the disaccharides of the gastrointestinal tract and thus reaches the colon unchanged. In the colon it is broken down to short chain organic acids, mainly acetic, propionic and butyric acid, by the intestinal flora, in particular by the bacteroides and lactobacilli, thus acidifying the contents of the colon. The effect of this acidification reduces the absorption of ammonia. The transformation of lactitol into low molecular weight organic acids results in an increase in osmotic pressure in the colon, thereby causing an increase in the stool water content and stool volume which explains the laxative effect.

Active ingredient: Lactitol Monohydrate.

Reported side effects: At the beginning of treatment, lactitol can cause abdominal discomfort, such as flatulence and, although rarely, abdominal pain or sometimes a bloating sensation. Such effects tend to diminish or disappear after a few days of treatment with lactitol. Due to inter-individual differences, some patients, even when taking the recommended dose, may suffer from diarrhoea. A reduction in dosage will solve this problem.

Known drug interactions: Laxatives should not be taken at the same time as other medications, after taking a medication, wait at least 2 hours before taking a laxative. Lactitol can increase the potassium losses caused by other medicines (e.g., thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, carbenoxolone, amphotericin B). Lactitol can increase digitalis toxicity. Concomitant administration of lactitol with neomycin can cause an increase in neomycin’s activity. If large spectrum antibacterial agents and antacids are administered along with lactitol, it can cause a reduction in acidification effect of lactitol on intestinal microflora and consequently limiting therapeutic efficacy.

Syrup: Constipation: Should be administered once daily, in the morning or evening, at mealtimes. In some cases, the laxative action may not begin until the 2 nd or 3rd day after the initial dose. Patients should maintain an adequate daily fluid intake. Adults: The usual recommended dose is 15 to 30ml per day. Paediatrics: Infants or breastfed babies: The recommended dose is 5ml per day. Children in the age group of 2 to 6 years: The usual recommended dose is 10ml per day. Children above age of 6 years: The recommended dose is 10 to 15ml per day. Hepatic Encephalopathy: Adults: For the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy, the recommended dose is 30ml once daily in the evening. The usual recommended dose for the treatment of acute phases of hepatic encephalopathy is 45 to 90ml in 3 divided doses along with main meals. OR As directed by the physician.

Active ingredient: Lactitol Monohydrate. Labelled strength: 10g/15ml.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.

Manufactured by Lacasil Pharma (Pvt) Ltd.. Country of origin: Pakistan.