Guttalax
Guttalax: instructions for use and reviews
- 1. Release form and composition
- 2. Pharmacological properties
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Method of application and dosage
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Overdose
- 8. Special instructions
- 9. Application during pregnancy and lactation
- 10. Drug interactions
- 11. Analogs
- 12. Terms and conditions of storage
- 13. Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
- 14. Reviews
- 15. Price in pharmacies
Latin name: Guttalax
ATX code: A06AB08
Active ingredient: sodium picosulfate
Producer: Boehringer Ingelheim International (Germany)
Description and photo update: 2019-16-08
Prices in pharmacies: from 163 rubles.
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Guttalax is a laxative that stimulates intestinal peristalsis.
Release form and composition
Dosage forms:
- Tablets: round flat-cylindrical shape, with beveled edges, white, odorless, with the company logo engraved on one side and "5L" on both sides of the dividing marks on the other (20 or 50 pcs. In polypropylene tubes, in a cardboard box 1 tuba);
- Drops for oral administration: a clear solution of a slightly viscous structure, from colorless to yellowish brown or slightly yellow (15 ml or 30 ml each in plastic dropper bottles, 1 bottle in a cardboard box).
The active ingredient is sodium picosulfate monohydrate:
- 1 tablet - 5.187 mg, which is equivalent to 5 mg of sodium picosulfate;
- 100 ml drops - 750 mg (7.5 mg / 1 ml).
Excipients:
- Tablets: magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, hydrolyzed potato starch;
- Drops: liquid sorbitol (non-crystallizing), sodium benzoate, citric acid monohydrate, sodium citrate dihydrate, purified water.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Sodium picosulfate is a laxative from the triarylmethane group. As a local laxative, this active ingredient is degraded by bacteria in the large intestine, stimulating the mucous membrane of the large intestine and activating its peristalsis. Sodium picosulfate also ensures the accumulation of electrolytes and water in this part of the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to stimulate the act of defecation, soften the stool and reduce the time of its evacuation.
The active component of Guttalax has an effect on the body at the level of the large intestine, which enhances the natural process of excretion of feces from the lower gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, it does not affect the absorption or digestion of high-calorie foods or essential nutrients in the small intestine.
Pharmacokinetics
Sodium picosulfate is slightly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, almost completely metabolized in the liver and intestinal wall with the formation of pharmacologically inactive glucuronide. After oral administration, the drug enters the large intestine, the degree of its absorption is low enough to exclude enterohepatic circulation. In the distal part of the large intestine, sodium picosulfate is cleaved to form the active metabolite, bis- (p-hydroxyphenyl) -pyridyl-2-methane. The time interval during which the laxative effect of Guttalax develops depends on the rate of release of the active metabolite and usually varies from 6 to 12 hours after administration.
Sodium picosulfate enters the systemic circulation in small amounts. At the moment, no relationship has been identified between the laxative effect of the pharmacologically active metabolite and its serum content.
After oral administration of 10 mg of Guttalax, approximately 10.4% of the total dose is excreted through the kidneys in the form of glucuronide within 48 hours. When the drug is taken in higher doses, its excretion in the urine generally decreases.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, Guttalax is used as a laxative in the following conditions:
- Constipation against the background of atony and hypotension of the large intestine (including after childbirth and during breastfeeding, in elderly patients, after surgery, in bedridden patients);
- Constipation due to medication;
- Constipation caused by dietary disorders, intestinal dysbiosis;
- Regulation of bowel movements with proctitis, anal fissures and hemorrhoids (to soften stool);
- Irritable bowel syndrome with a predominance of constipation, gallbladder disease.
Contraindications
- Acute diseases of the abdominal organs, including appendicitis;
- Intestinal obstruction;
- Obstructive bowel disease;
- Severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting of unknown etiology;
- Acute inflammatory bowel pathology;
- Severe dehydration;
- Children under 4 years of age (for tablets);
- Hypersensitivity to drug components.
Pills
It is contraindicated to take Guttalax tablets for rare hereditary disorders associated with galactose intolerance: lactase deficiency, galactosemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption.
During pregnancy (II and III trimester), the drug in the form of tablets is used only as directed by a doctor.
For children from 4 to 10 years old, taking the drug in the form of tablets is permissible only as directed by a doctor.
Drops
Guttalax drops are prohibited for patients with fructose intolerance and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
With caution, only as directed by a doctor, drops are used in the II and III trimesters of pregnancy.
Instructions for the use of Guttalax: method and dosage
Guttalax in any dosage form is intended for oral administration. Recommended dosage:
- Tablets (drink enough liquid): children over 10 years old and adults - 1-2 pcs., Children from 4 to 10 years old - 1 / 2-1 pcs.;
- Drops (it is not necessary to dissolve in liquid): children over 10 years old and adults - 10-20 drops, children from 4 to 10 years old - 5-10 drops. Children under 4 years old - 1 drop per 2 kg of the child's weight, which corresponds to 250 mcg per 1 kg.
To obtain a laxative effect in the morning, tablets and drops must be taken the night before.
Side effects
The use of each of the dosage forms of Guttalax can cause side effects:
- From the digestive system: cramps and pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, discomfort;
- From the immune system: hypersensitivity reactions, including skin reactions, angioedema;
- From the nervous system: dizziness, fainting, which may be caused by a vasovagal reaction (for example, abdominal cramps or tension during bowel movements).
Overdose
When taking high doses of Guttalax, symptoms such as hypokalemia, diarrhea, imbalance in water and electrolyte balance, decreased blood pressure, dehydration, and convulsions may occur. There are also reports of cases of ischemia of the musculature of the large intestine, caused by the use of the drug in doses significantly higher than those recommended for the standard treatment of constipation.
Chronic overdose of Guttalax can lead to urolithiasis, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, secondary hyperaldosteronism, hypokalemia. Also, chronic abuse of this laxative sometimes provokes the development of metabolic alkalosis, damage to the renal tubules and muscle weakness, which is caused by hypokalemia.
To reduce the absorption of sodium picosulfate after oral administration, it is recommended to perform gastric lavage or induce vomiting. In some cases, it becomes necessary to replenish fluid loss and correct water-electrolyte balance, as well as prescribe antispasmodics.
special instructions
Guttalax tablets and drops are not recommended for more than 10 days in a row without consulting a doctor. Long-term use in high doses can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hypokalemia.
Tablets and drops can be used during breastfeeding.
The effect of the drug on the reproductive system has not been revealed by preclinical studies.
The lactose content in 1 tablet Guttalax - 67.5 mg: the recommended maximum dose for children 4-10 years old contains 67.5 mg; in a dose for children over 10 years old and adults - 135 mg of lactose.
1 ml of drops contains 450 mg of sorbitol. The maximum daily dose recommended for the treatment of children 4-10 years old contains 300 mg of sorbitol, for adults - 600 mg.
The use of the drug in children of any age should be carried out only as directed by a doctor.
Guttalax drops do not have taste, they can be added to food for children.
Clinical studies have shown that dizziness and fainting in patients taking Guttalax are associated with a vasovagal response to abdominal pain, which may be due to constipation, and not necessarily a laxative.
Patients should be warned about the possibility of side effects such as dizziness and / or fainting. If severe intestinal spasms occur, it is necessary to avoid performing potentially hazardous activities, including driving.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
There is no information about reliable and well-controlled studies of the use of Guttalax during gestation. In pregnant patients who took the drug for a long time, the negative effect of sodium picosulfate on the fetus was not found. However, taking it in the first trimester of pregnancy is strictly contraindicated. In the II and III trimesters, the use of Guttalax (like other drugs with a laxative effect) requires a specialist consultation.
The active metabolite and its glucuronides are not excreted in breast milk, therefore, taking the drug is allowed during breastfeeding.
Studies on the effects of Guttalax on fertility have not been conducted. The results of preclinical studies indicate that there are no teratogenic effects affecting fertility.
Drug interactions
High doses of Guttalax, when taken simultaneously with diuretics or glucocorticosteroids (GCS), increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia.
Electrolyte imbalance can lead to increased sensitivity to cardiac glycosides.
The laxative effect of the drug may be reduced when combined with antibiotics.
Analogs
Guttalax analogues are: Guttasil, Laxigal, Slabilen, Slabikap, Regulax picosulfate.
Terms and conditions of storage
Keep out of the reach of children. Store in a dark place at a temperature: drops (do not freeze) - up to 30 ° C; tablets - up to 25 ° C.
The shelf life is 3 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Available without a prescription.
Reviews about Guttalax
Mostly there are positive reviews about Guttalax. Among its advantages, patients note economical packaging, effectiveness in combating spastic-type constipation, absence of negative effects on the intestinal microflora and side reactions such as pain in the epigastric region. However, some patients leave negative reviews about drops for oral administration, citing the development of an addictive effect, which requires a gradual increase in the dose.
Price for Guttalax in pharmacies
In pharmacy chains, the approximate price for Guttalax in the form of tablets is 190-261 rubles (for a package containing 20 pieces) or 374-449 rubles (for a package containing 50 pieces). You can buy drops for oral administration for about 264‒373 rubles (for a 15 ml bottle) or for 387–504 rubles (for a 30 ml bottle).
Guttalax: prices in online pharmacies
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Drug name Price Pharmacy |
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Guttalax Express 10 mg rectal suppositories 6 pcs. 163 r Buy |
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Guttalax express supp. rekt. 10 mg 6 pcs. 183 r Buy |
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Guttalax 5 mg tablets 20 pcs. 197 RUB Buy |
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Guttalax tablets 5mg 20 pcs. 201 RUB Buy |
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Guttalax 7.5 mg / ml oral drops 15 ml 1 pc. 254 r Buy |
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Guttalax drops for internal approx. 7.5mg / ml 15ml 261 r Buy |
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Guttalax 7.5 mg / ml oral drops 30 ml 1 pc. 282 r Buy |
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Guttalax drops for internal approx. 7.5mg / ml 30ml 364 RUB Buy |
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Guttalax 5 mg tablets 50 pcs. 381 r Buy |
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Guttalax tablets 5mg 50 pcs. 392 RUB Buy |
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
