Zenilac
Generic: Lactulose
Daily Dose:
Course Duration:
Alternatives (24)Cheaper & Alternative Brands (3.35 gm/5 ml)
Same active generic (Lactulose), same form (Oral Solution), exact same strength (3.35 gm/5 ml)
Clinical Prescribing Information
Medical monograph and safety information for healthcare professionals & patients.Indications & Clinical Uses
Constipation (Chronic Constipation): In every case of chronic constipation, initial treatment should consist of a diet rich in fiber (vegetables, salads, fruits etc.) a generous amount of liquids and much physical exercise. Actilac is only to be taken when these measures prove insufficient.
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Constipation (Chronic Constipation): In every case of chronic constipation, initial treatment should consist of a diet rich in fiber (vegetables, salads, fruits etc.) a generous amount of liquids and much physical exercise. Actilac is only to be taken when these measures prove insufficient.
Intestinal flora disturbances:
In damaged to intestinal flora (e.g. following long-term antibiotic treatment)
Gall bladder diseases
Intestinal diseases (Colitis, Diverticulosis, Megacolon)
Increased blood ammonia levels (hyper ammoniemia in hepatopathy, portal-systemic encephalopathy)
Dosage & Administration
In constipation ( chronic constipation):
Adults
: Initially 3-6 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1½-6 tea-spoons daily
Children up to 14 years
: Initially 3 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1-2 tea-spoons daily
Infants and toddlers
: Initially 1-2 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1 tea-spoon daily
In damaged intestinal flora:
Adults
: 1-2 tea-spoons daily
Children
: 1 tea-spoon daily
For reduction of blood ammonia level:
Hyper-ammoniemia in hepatopathy
: a maximum of 18-30 tea-spoons daily.
In portal systemic encephalopathy
: hourly doses of 6-9 tea-spoons of Lactulose solution may be used to induce the rapid laxation. When the laxative effect has been achieved, the dose may then be reduced.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to either galactose and or lactose; galactose-free diet, gastro-cardial symptom complex, suspected intestinal obstruction.
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Occasionally flatulence, cramp and abdominal discomfort can occur at the beginning of treatment; this is rapidly eliminated by reducing the dose. Overdose can result in diarrhoea. In abuse, loss of electrolytes (primarily potassium).
Warnings & Precautions
Actilac should be administered with care to patients who are intolerant to Actilac. The dose used in the treatment of (pre) coma hepaticum is usually much higher and may need to be taken into consideration for diabetics.
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide. Lactulose is metabolized in the colon by the saccharolytic bacteria, producing low molecular weight organic acids (mainly lactic acid), which lowers the pH of the colon contents, promote the retention of water by an osmotic effect; thus increasing peristaltic activity. Lactulose is minimally absorbed; therefore, the pharmacokinetics of the absorbed material are not relevant to the principal therapeutic action.