Lactitol
Information about Lactitol
Lactitol uses
Lactitol is used in constipation.
How lactitol works
Lactitol works by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis, which makes the stool soft and easier to pass.
Common side effects of lactitol
Abdominal distension, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Flatulence, Itching, Upper respiratory tract infection, Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in blood, High blood pressure, Abdominal discomfort, Dyspepsia, Epigastric pain, Anal itching, Hypersensitivity, Rash
Available Medicine for Lactitol
Expert advice for Lactitol
- Lactitol is used for the treatment of constipation.
- It should preferably be taken at bedtime as it requires 6 to 8 hours to show effect.
- It is usually taken once a day as needed for up to 2 weeks. Take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- Some healthy tips to prevent constipation from happening:
- Eat more fiber in your diet. Recommended daily intake is 20-35g
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day
- Exercise regularly at least 3 times per week
- Do not hold in stool as that can worsen bowel issues
- Take it atleast 2 hours after taking other medicines, as it may interfere with the absorption of other medicines.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach disorders such as appendicitis or a blockage in your bowel.
Frequently asked questions for Lactitol
Lactitol
Q. Is Lactitol a laxative?
Yes, Lactitol is a laxative which softens the stools by pulling in water from the body to the large intestine. It is also used to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease.
Q. Is it okay to take Lactitol every day?
You should take Lactitol for as long as advised by your doctor. You may also take it for as long as constipation lasts, which may be upto a week. For hepatic encephalopathy, the treatment may be longer, may be several months.
Q. How long does it take for Lactitol to work?
It takes about 2-3 days to see the benefits of the treatment. Talk to your doctor if you feel constipated even after 3 days of taking Lactitol.