Lactitol
About
Lactitol belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation. Additionally, Lactitol is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy (decrease in brain function due to liver disease). Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, painful and hard to pass. Hepatic encephalopathy is a liver disease in which the liver does not remove the toxins from the body, which leads to loss of brain function.
Lactitol contains Lactitol a disaccharide sugar that breaks down into low-molecular-weight organic acids in the colon, increasing the osmotic pressure. This causes an increase in water content in stools, and stool volume, thereby makes the stool softer and more comfortable to pass and provides relief from constipation. In patients with hepatic encephalopathy, lactitol lowers the colon pH, thereby suppresses the absorption of unionized ammonia and other toxins. It also enhances nitrogen excretion through faeces.
You are advised to take Lactitol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as abdominal distension, cramps, and flatulence (gas). Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Lactitol for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) while taking Lactitol. Consult your doctor before taking Lactitol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe you Lactitol only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if there is no bowel movement or if you find rectal bleeding after taking Lactitol. Do not take Lactitol for more than a week as it might cause dependency on Lactitol for a bowel movement.
Uses of Lactitol
Medicinal Benefits
Lactitol belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation. Additionally, Lactitol is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy (decrease in brain function due to liver disease). Lactitol contains Lactitol (laxative). Lactitol is a disaccharide sugar. It works by breaking down into low-molecular-weight organic acids in the colon, which increases the osmotic pressure. This causes an increase in water content in stools, and stool volume, thereby makes the stool softer and more comfortable to pass and provides relief from constipation. In patients with hepatic encephalopathy, lactitol lowers the colon pH, thereby suppresses the absorption of unionized ammonia and other toxins. It also enhances nitrogen excretion through feces.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lactitol
- Flatulence (wind)
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Indigestion
- Dehydration
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Lactitol if you are allergic to any of its contents. Consult your doctor before taking Lactitol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe you Lactitol only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Do not take Lactitol in case of ileostomy or colostomy. Regularly monitor serum electrolytes, blood lactose, and blood glucose levels while taking Lactitol. Talk to your doctor if there is no bowel movement or if you find rectal bleeding after taking Lactitol. Do not take Lactitol if you have galactosemia (galactose indigestion disorder), intestinal obstruction, unexplained abdominal pain, or bleeding. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, or if you have to undergo a colonoscopy. Do not take Lactitol for more than a week as it may cause dependency on Lactitol for a bowel movement.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Lactitol may have interaction with an antibiotic (neomycin), cardiac glycoside (digitalis), a drug used to treat ulcers (carbenoxolone), anti-fungal (amphotericin B), corticosteroids, and thiazide diuretics.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Lactitol may have interactions with irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction disorder, diabetes, and galactosemia (galactose indigestion disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Lactitol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Lactitol.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Lactitol if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe you Lactitol if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is generally safe to take Lactitol if you are breastfeeding. However, please consult your doctor before taking Lactitol if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe you Lactitol if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedLactitol has negligible influence in your ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedLactitol is safe to use if prescribed by the doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
safe if prescribedLactitol is safe to use if prescribed by the doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionLactitol can be taken by children if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try maintaining a balanced diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated, drink enough water and fluids.
- Exercise regularly, and stay fit.
- Get enough sleep.
- Trying making time to empty your bowels whenever the body tells you to.
- Eat food rich in fibre such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears, figs) and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
Special Advise
Maintain adequate fluid intake while taking Lactitol.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements. The stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass. Constipation is a condition in which the person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. However, bowel patterns may vary from person to person. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the normal muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of the bowel from the body. Constipation could be associated with a sudden change of diet, a diet with less fiber, not drinking enough liquids, lack of exercise, loss of tone of the bowel muscles in older people, or staying in bed for a longer duration.
Liver encephalopathy: It is a liver disease in which the liver does not remove the toxins from the body, which leads to loss of brain function.
FAQs
Lactitol works by breaking down into low-molecular-weight organic acids in the colon, which increases the osmotic pressure. This causes an increase in water content in stools, and stool volume, thereby makes the stool softer and easier to pass and provides relief from constipation.
Do not take Lactitol with antacid and anti-bacterial medicines as it may cause decreased efficacy.
In patients with hepatic encephalopathy, lactitol lowers the colon pH, thereby suppresses the absorption of unionized ammonia and other toxins. It also enhances nitrogen excretion through faeces.
Diarrhoea might occur if Lactitol is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Lactitol for more than a week as it might lead to dependency on Lactitol for a bowel movement. Taking Lactitol for longer durations might also cause dehydration, imbalance of fluids and salts in the body, affecting the tightness of muscles in the intestine. If your bowel movement is irregular even after taking Lactitol for a week, consult your doctor.
