Description
Lactitol is used to treat chronic idiopathic (unknown cause) constipation (CIC). It works by increasing peristalsis (contractions) in the colon, leading to an increase in the number of bowel movements.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of lactitol in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lactitol in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Galactosemia (rare metabolic disorder) or
- Stomach or bowel blockage—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Proper Use
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Take this medicine with food.
If you are using the multi-dose bottle:
- Measure the dose by using the bottle top or measuring cap that is marked to 10 grams of powder when filled to the top of white section in the cap marked by the arrow.
- Pour the measured dose into an empty 8-ounce glass.
- Add 4 ounces to 8 ounces of water, juice, or any kind of drink (eg, coffee, tea, soda) to the glass containing the powder.
- Stir thoroughly to dissolve the powder and drink the entire contents of the glass.
If you are using the unit-dose packets:
- Pour the contents of 1 or 2 unit-dose packets into an empty 8-ounce glass.
- Add 4 ounces to 8 ounces of water, juice, or any kind of drink (eg, coffee, tea, soda) to the glass containing the powder.
- Stir thoroughly to dissolve the powder and drink the entire contents of the glass.
If you are taking other medicines by mouth, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking lactitol.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
- For chronic idiopathic constipation:
- Adults—20 grams (g) once a day with food. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For chronic idiopathic constipation:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have persistent loose stools.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Bloated
- excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
- full feeling
- passing gas
Less common
- Diarrhea
- pressure in the stomach
- swelling of the abdominal or stomach area
Incidence not known
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- fever
- hives, itching, rash
- nausea
- reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
- swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Body aches or pain
- chills
- cough
- ear congestion
- headache
- loss of voice
- sneezing
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
Less common
- Blurred vision
- dizziness
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- slow or fast heartbeat
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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