LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation. Additionally, LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy (decreased brain function due to liver disease). Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass. Hepatic encephalopathy is a liver disease in which the liver does not remove the toxins from the body, which leads to loss of brain function.
LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID is a combination of two drugs: Lactitol (laxative) and benzoic acid (organic compound). Lactitol is a disaccharide sugar. It works by breaking down into low-molecular-weight organic acids in the colon, which increases the osmotic pressure. This causes an increase in water content in stools and stool volume, thereby makes the stool softer and easier to pass and provides relief from constipation. In patients with hepatic encephalopathy, lactitol lowers the colon pH, thereby suppresses the absorption of unionized ammonia and other toxins. It also enhances nitrogen excretion through feces. Benzoic acid acts as a preservative.
Take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID as prescribed. You are advised to take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side effects in some cases, such as abdominal distension, cramps, and flatulence (gas). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) while taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID. Regularly monitor serum electrolytes, blood lactose, and blood glucose levels are advised. Talk to your doctor if there is no bowel movement or if you find rectal bleeding after taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID. Do not take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID for more than a week as it might cause dependency on LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID for a bowel movement. Consult your doctor before taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe you LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Constipation, hepatic/liver encephalopathy
LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation. Additionally, LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy (decrease in brain function due to liver disease). LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID is a combination of two drugs: Lactitol (laxative) and benzoic acid (organic compound). Lactitol is a disaccharide sugar. It works by breaking down into low-molecular-weight organic acids in the colon, which increases the osmotic pressure. This causes an increase in water content in stools and stool volume, thereby makes the stool softer and easier to pass and provides relief from constipation. In patients with hepatic encephalopathy, lactitol lowers the colon pH, thereby suppresses the absorption of unionized ammonia and other toxins. It also enhances nitrogen excretion through feces. Benzoic acid acts as a preservative.
Do not take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you are allergic to any of its contents. Do not take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID in case of ileostomy or colostomy. Regularly monitor serum electrolytes, blood lactose, and blood glucose levels while taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID. Talk to your doctor if there is no bowel movement or if you find rectal bleeding after taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID. Do not take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you have galactosemia (galactose indigestion disorder), intestinal obstruction, unexplained abdominal pain, or bleeding. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes or if you have to undergo a colonoscopy. Consult your doctor before taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe you LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Do not take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID for more than a week as it may cause dependency on LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID for a bowel movement.
Drug-Drug Interactions: LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID may have interaction with an antibiotic (neomycin), cardiac glycoside (digitalis), a drug used to treat ulcers (carbenoxolone), anti-fungal (amphotericin B), thiazide diuretics (Chlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, Indapamide, Metolazone), corticosteroids.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID may have interactions with irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction disorder, ileostomy, colostomy and galactosemia (galactose indigestion disorder).
It is not known if alcohol interacts with LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Please consult your doctor before taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe you LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if the benefits outweigh the risks.
It is generally safe to take LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you are breastfeeding. However, please consult your doctor before taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe you LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if the benefits outweigh the risks.
LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID has negligible influence in your ability to drive.
Please consult your doctor before taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Please consult your doctor before taking LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
LACTITOL MONOHYDRATE+BENZOIC ACID can be taken by children only if prescribed by a doctor.
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements. The stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass. Constipation is a condition in which the person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. However, bowel patterns may vary from person to person. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the normal muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of bowel from the body. Constipation could be associated with a sudden change of diet, a diet with less fiber, not drinking enough liquids, and lack of exercise.
Hepatic encephalopathy: It is a liver disease in which the liver does not remove the toxins from the body, which leads to loss of brain function.