Lactifer Oral Suspension
Product Info
| Prescription required | No |
| Marketer | Trumac Healthcare |
| Active Ingredient | Lactitol (10000mg/15ml) |
| Chemical Class | Dimeric Sugar Alcohol |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | Osmotic laxatives/Purgative |
| User Rating | 4.3 |
| User Reviews | 419 |
FAQ
What are the side effects of taking Lactifer?
Lactifer very commonly causes diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Diarrhea and abdominal pain occur due to high dose and dose should be reduced in such cases. Flatulence may occur during the first few days of treatment and may disappear after sometime. This medicine may also cause electrolyte imbalance. However, this is an uncommon side effect.
What if I take more than the recommended dose of Lactifer?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Lactifer may cause abdominal pain, electrolyte imbalance and diarrhea, which may last for a couple of days.
Can I take other laxatives along with Lactifer?
Usually one laxative is sufficient to relieve constipation. In case you need it, your doctor may advise you to take one more laxative along with Lactifer. The risk of side effects is more with 2 laxatives.
Is it okay to take Lactifer every day?
You should take Lactifer for as long as advised by your doctor. You may also take it for as long as constipation lasts, which may be upto a week. For hepatic encephalopathy, the treatment may be longer, may be several months.
Is Lactifer a laxative?
Yes, Lactifer is a laxative which softens the stools by pulling in water from the body to the large intestine. It is also used to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease.
Who should not be given Lactifer?
Lactifer should not be given to patients who are allergic to it or are intolerant to lactose (cannot process lactose). It should also be avoided in patients having galactosemia, a rare health problem where body cannot process galactose.
What is Lactifer used for?
Lactifer is used to treat constipation which is presented as infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stools. It is also used in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (serious liver problem causing confusion, tremors and decreased level of consciousness).
How long does it take for Lactifer to work?
It takes about 2-3 days to see the benefits of the treatment. Talk to your doctor if you feel constipated even after 3 days of taking Lactifer.
What if you forget to take Lactifer?
If you miss a dose of Lactifer, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.\n
Lactifer Oral Suspension Reviews
Lactifer is a type of sugar that is used to treat constipation. It works by drawing water into the intestine, which makes the stool softer and easier to pass. It may also be used in the treatment and prevention of hepatic encephalopathy.
Lactifer should be taken as advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food. You should take the amount your doctor's advice, and you can mix it with water or fruit juice if you prefer. Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit and try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Your dose may go up or down depending on how well it’s working. Don’t take more than you’re advised to and, if you miss a dose, don’t take an extra one to make up for it. Lactifer takes at least 48 hours to work. Talk to your doctor if you’re still constipated after three days.
The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days. You may also feel (or be) sick. You can help avoid the side effects by drinking plenty of fluids, taking your medicine between meals. Occasionally people develop serious side effects including severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea, mood changes and seizures. Talk to your doctor straight away if you notice any of these.
Before taking Lactifer, you should tell your doctor if you have diabetes or if you’re unable to digest milk sugar (lactose intolerant). If you use this medicine over a long period of time, your doctor may want you to have occasional blood tests to check the mineral levels (e.g. potassium and sodium). Don’t take other laxative medicines while taking this medicine and check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
How Lactifer Oral Suspension Works
Lactifer works by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis, which makes the stool soft and easier to pass.
How to Use Lactifer Oral Suspension
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Lactifer may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Lactifer Oral Suspension
- In Constipation: Lactifer is a laxative that treats constipation by drawing water into the bowels thereby making stools softer and easier to pass. This medicine takes a couple of days to work (up to 3 days). Take it as instructed even it appears not to be working. Talk to your doctor if you are still constipated after 3 days. Constipation is a common problem that can cause significant pain and discomfort. This medicine can relieve discomfort and improve your quality of life. To prevent constipation from happening it may help to eat more high-fiber foods including fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water.
- In Treatment and prevention of Hepatic encephalopathy: Hepatic encephalopathy is a severe liver disease that can cause changes in brain function leading to confusion, tremors (shaking), sleep problems, and loss of consciousness. Lactifer is thought to work by lowering the level of a substance called ammonia in the blood which has harmful effects on the brain. Additionally, Lactifer acts as an osmotic laxative, aiding in the elimination of toxins, including ammonia, from the gastrointestinal tract by increasing stool frequency and volume. If taken as prescribed, it can improve your brain function and reduce symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy.
Uses of Lactifer Oral Suspension
- Constipation
- Treatment and prevention of Hepatic encephalopathy
Lactifer Oral Suspension Side Effects
Safety Tips
Driving
SAFE
Lactifer does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Lactifer in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Lactifer in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Lactifer is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Lactifer. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Lactifer is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Quick Tips
- It is usually taken once a day as needed for up to 2 weeks. Take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach disorders such as appendicitis or a blockage in your bowel.
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day
- Some healthy tips to prevent constipation from happening:Eat more fiber in your diet. Recommended daily intake is 20-35gDrink 8-10 glasses of water per dayExercise regularly at least 3 times per weekDo not hold in stool as that can worsen bowel issues
- Take it atleast 2 hours after taking other medicines, as it may interfere with the absorption of other medicines.
- Lactifer is used for the treatment of constipation.
- Do not hold in stool as that can worsen bowel issues
- It should preferably be taken at bedtime as it requires 6 to 8 hours to show effect.
- Eat more fiber in your diet. Recommended daily intake is 20-35g
- Exercise regularly at least 3 times per week