LACTULOSE SAND SYRUP 180 ML BOTTLE

Name
Lactulose Sandoz 66.7% syrup


What is it and what is it for?
Lactulose Sandoz contains the active substance lactulose, a sugar that belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives, used to facilitate bowel movement.

In adults this medicine is indicated:
- for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation;
- for the treatment of intestinal infections caused by certain bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, in combination with other medicines (adjuvant treatment).

In children and infants it is indicated:
- for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation;
- for the treatment of intestinal disorders caused by incorrect nutrition (putrefactive syndromes);
- to promote adequate digestion when breastfeeding is stopped (when switching from breast milk to formula).

Contact your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 7 days.


What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not take Lactulose Sandoz
- if you are allergic to lactulose or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
- if you suffer from galactosemia, a genetic disease that prevents the digestion of certain sugars;
- if you have a blockage or narrowing (stenosis) of the intestine;
- if you have abdominal pain of unknown origin, nausea, vomiting;
- if you notice the presence of blood of unknown origin in your stool (rectal bleeding);
- if you are severely dehydrated.


Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lactulose Sandoz.

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine in the following cases:
- if you suffer from diabetes, because this medicine may contain other types of sugars (lactose, galactose, tagarose);
- if he is elderly or debilitated;
- if you suffer from a bowel disorder called flatulence. In this case, take the lowest dose at the beginning of treatment, which can be gradually increased based on your condition;
- if you suffer from constipation that lasts for long periods (chronic) or is frequent;
- if the need for a laxative arises from a sudden change in previous bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of bowel movements) that lasts for more than two weeks or when the use of a laxative fails to produce any effects.

Excessive use of laxatives can cause persistent diarrhea, resulting in the loss of water, minerals, and other essential nutrients. In more severe cases, severe dehydration and decreased blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) can cause heart, nerve, and muscle problems (cardiac or neuromuscular dysfunction), especially when used concomitantly with medications used to treat heart rhythm problems (cardiac glycosides), medications used to lower blood pressure (diuretics), and anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids).

Abuse of laxatives, especially contact laxatives (stimulant laxatives), can cause dependence and addiction (the need to continually increase the dosage), chronic constipation, and loss of normal bowel function (intestinal atony).

Health Education Notes: Keep in mind that, in most cases, a balanced diet rich in water and fiber (bran, vegetables, and fruit) can resolve constipation. Many people think they suffer from constipation if they are unable to have a bowel movement every day. This is a misconception, as this condition is completely normal for a large number of people.
Constipation, however, occurs when bowel movements are less frequent than usual and are associated with hard stools. If episodes of constipation occur repeatedly, a doctor should be consulted.

Children
In children under 12 years of age, Lactulose Sandoz should only be used after consulting a doctor.


Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
- pain in the form of cramps or abdominal colic, more frequent in cases of severe constipation;
- flatulence;
- allergic reactions, skin rash, itching, hives (frequency not known).

Reporting of side effects
If you experience any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse .
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.