ZEN LACTULOSE 66.7 G/100 ML SYRUP 1 BOTTLE OF 200 ML

Name
LACTULOSE ZENTIVA 66.7 g/100 ml syrup


What is it and what is it for?
LACTULOSE ZENTIVA contains the active substance lactulose, a sugar that belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives, used to facilitate the intestinal elimination of stool (evacuation).
This medicine is indicated for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation.

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 ZENTIVA
- 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.

LACTULOSE ZENTIVA is generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding (see section “Pregnancy and breastfeeding”) and in children under 3 years of age.


Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking LACTULOSE ZENTIVA.

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine in the following cases:
- if you suffer from diabetes or if you are on a slimming (low-calorie) diet, because this medicine contains some sugars (lactose, galactose);
- if he is elderly or not in good health;
- if you suffer from a bowel disorder called bloating (gas). 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 stool elimination) that lasts for more than two weeks or when the use of the laxative fails to produce effects, or if the disorder has also occurred in the past.

Excessive use of laxatives can cause persistent diarrhea, resulting in a loss of water, minerals (especially potassium), 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 ZENTIVA 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.
Following the instructions in the package leaflet reduces the risk of side effects.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
- excessive emission of air from the intestine (flatulence) and abdominal pain, even severe (colic), more frequent in cases of severe constipation.
- allergic reactions, skin rash, itching, hives (frequency not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data).
These side effects are usually temporary.

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.