Uses of Laevolac

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Laevolac is a drug belonging to the gastrointestinal group, which is effective in treating constipation, regulating colon motility, encephalopathy related to portal vein. Continue reading the article to help you better understand the use of Laevolac.

1. What is Laevolac?

Laevolac belongs to the group of gastrointestinal drugs, used in the treatment of constipation, regulation of physiological peristalsis of the colon, hepatic encephalopathy.
Laevolac drug circulated in Vietnam with registration number: VN - 19613 - 16
Laevolac drug is manufactured by Fresenius Kabi Austria GmbH Company - Australia
Dosage form: Oral solution, packed in 1 box of 20 packs, 1 pack of 15ml.
Main ingredients and content of Laevolac:
Lactulose: 10g content. Lactulose is a disaccharide synthesized from fructose and D-galactose. In the colon, bacteria break down lactulose into low-molecular organic acids. Due to the presence of these acids, the pH in the colon will be reduced, and at the same time, a good osmotic effect will lead to an increase in the volume of the colonic mass. The above effects will stimulate the peristalsis of the colon, shape the stool and eliminate constipation.
When using lactulose in high doses, it will be used to treat hepatic coma caused by increased NH3 in the blood. Lactulose will lower the pH in the colonic lumen. But the absorption of NH3 is proportional to the pH, so low pH will reduce the absorption of NH3 into the blood, NH3 will convert to NH4+ form that is not absorbed and excreted. Treatment data have shown that in patients with hepatic encephalopathy treated with lactulose, the concentration of NH3 in the blood decreased by 25 to 50%.

2. What are the effects of Laevolac?


Laevolac laxative is used in the following cases:
Treatment of constipation caused by intestinal motility disorders or a low-fiber diet, sedentary, and less water intake. Prophylaxis for patients with hepatic encephalopathy, hepatic pre-coma.

3. Instructions for use, dosage of Laevolac


How to use: Laevolac is prepared in the form of a solution, so use the drug by taking it directly.
Dosage of Laevolac to treat constipation:
For infants and children from 28 days old to 23 months old: Use a dose of 5ml per day (about 1 teaspoon per day); Children 2 to 6 years old: Take a dose of 5 to 10ml daily (about 1 to 2 teaspoons/day); Children from 6 to 14 years old: 15ml per day (Equivalent to one solution pack); For children over 14 years old and adults: 1 to 3 sachets per day, depending on the patient's degree of constipation; The daily dose should be taken every morning, as directed by your doctor. Dosage for use in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (Pathology related to the portal venous system):
Children: Dosage is from 3 to 9ml per day, divided into several doses per day; Adults: Start with 1 15ml sachet, 3 to 4 times daily, then increase dose to 2 to 3 sachets, 3 to 4 times daily. Note:
If during treatment, the patient has diarrhea, it is necessary to reduce the dose or even stop the drug.
When patients are pre-coma or hepatic coma: Use rectally, mix 300ml Laevolac with about 700ml of water or 0.9% physiological saline, keep for 30 to 60 minutes, use every 4 to 6 hours time. The duration of treatment depends on the patient's condition and symptoms.

4. When is Laevolac contraindicated?


Do not use Laevolac drug for the following cases:
Being sensitive to Lactulose drug ingredients; Fructose intolerance or Fructose/Galactose malabsorption syndrome; Lactase deficiency or galactoseemia; Patients with intestinal obstruction; The patient has gastrointestinal symptoms.

5. Dealing with missed dose or overdose


Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double the prescribed dose.
Overdosage of Laevolac can cause the following symptoms:
Diarrhea leading to dehydration, loss of electrolytes, especially potassium ions; If used with other hypokalemic drugs, the symptoms of potassium loss may be more severe, manifesting as hypotension, myalgia, myasthenia gravis, arrhythmia,... Treatment of drug overdose:
If an enema is used, remove the enema from the body; If taken orally, there is no specific treatment, only symptomatic treatment. Replenish electrolytes and rehydrate the body.

6. Laevolac side effects


Using Laevolac laxatives can cause some side effects such as:
Common: bloating, abdominal pain; Uncommon: Electrolyte disturbances, digestive disorders; Rare: Metabolic and nutritional disorders such as hypernatremia. If you see any of the above signs in your body, you should immediately notify your doctor or pharmacist for guidance and timely treatment.

7. Other Notes


For women who are pregnant and breast-feeding, Laevolac can be used. Laevolac medicine does not cause drowsiness, so it can be used by people driving or operating machinery. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place, below 30 degrees, away from direct sunlight. Do not use expired medicinal products. Above is information about Laevolac medicine with effects, dosage and safe use. Patients should carefully read the instructions for use, consult a doctor / pharmacist before use. Absolutely do not arbitrarily buy medicine to treat at home because there may be unwanted side effects.

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