OSMOTIC PURGATIVES

Mag. & Sod. salts act as a purgatives (as detailed before in antacids) Lactulose : It is a semi synthetic diasaccharide of fructose and lactose & is not digested or absorbed in the small intestine-retains water. Further, it is broken down in the colon by bacteria to osmotically more active products.

Indications

Portal systemic encephalopathy, chronic or habitual constipation.

Dosage

4-10 gm or (30-50 ml) thrice daily.

Contra-Indications

Galactosemia, patients on low galactose diets or on galactose and/or lactose free diets. Diasachharides deficiency. Intestinal obstruction.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy, children, Diabetes, elderly, debilitated. Donot interact with Neomycin or other oral infective therapy.

Side Effects

Flatulence intestinal cramps, nausea.