Agiolax

Agiolax is a laxative natural preparation on a plant basis, gently stimulates intestinal peristalsis, preventing and eliminating constipation. 

[1], [2]

Indications of the agiolax

The medication Agiolax is used in the following pathological conditions:

• a difficult act of defecation associated with atony and impaired intestinal peristalsis (in children and the elderly, in pregnant women, after surgery), as well as chronic constipation;
• to facilitate the release of stool in the presence of hemorrhoids, proctitis, cracks in the anus;
• as prevention of constipation in bedridden patients;
• in preparation for endoscopic and radiographic examinations. 

Release form

 The drug is available in granular form for oral administration in several versions:

• capacity of aluminum 100 g;
• capacity of aluminum 250 g;
• combined container 100 g;
• combined container 250 g.

 Filling of packages - a small granular form of a brown shade with a characteristic aroma. One teaspoon contains about 5 g of granular elements, which consist of 2.6 g of powdered plantain seed, 110 mg of ground psyllium husks, 600 mg of hulled senna fruits. 

[3]

Pharmacodynamics

Agiolax is a laxative complex drug, the effect of which is determined by the characteristics of the natural components - plants of plantain and senna.

 Raw Psyllium, interacting with the liquid, is accumulated by moisture, increasing in volume. This makes it possible to increase the amount of intestinal contents, which will lead to mechanical irritation of its walls and strengthening peristalsis.

 The laxative property of Senna was studied in white mice at a weight of about 17 g. As a result of the studies, it was found that the laxative effect in mice under the influence of senna preparations manifested itself within 3-4 hours. The most effective dosage is 0.22-0.24 g / kg.

 The effectiveness of senna in atony intestines can also be judged by the evacuation rate of excretion from the gastrointestinal tract of barium chloride, which is established due to the method of radiography. X-ray of the digestive tract was carried out immediately after taking the drug: then the test was repeated 4 hours, 16 hours and a day later. In experimental subjects who received the drug, the excretion of barium chloride from the gastrointestinal tract passed much faster than those who did not take it.

 Agiolax is able to increase the secretion of bile within 2 hours after administration, due to this, the secretion of mucins is enhanced, the fecal masses soften, their movement is facilitated.

 The drug has no toxic effect on the body. 

[4]

Pharmacokinetics

Calcium salts (sennosides) present in the preparation are not absorbed in the upper parts of the intestine and do not collapse under the influence of digestive enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract. In the large intestine, their metabolism occurs, where sennosides are converted into aglikon (reins), the residual element of the organic compound.

 After ingestion, up to 6% of the drug in the form of a metabolite is excreted through the urinary system, and about 90% - with the calves in the form of polyquinones, along with 2-6% of stable sennosides, active metabolite and rhein.

 Accumulation of the drug in the tissues and bloodstream is not observed. An active metabolite can be detected in a small amount in breast milk.

 Fibrous parts of plantain practically can not be digested and absorbed. After ingestion, they are excreted with feces, partly split by microflora, located in the large intestine. 

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Dosing and administration

 Granular form of the drug is used, without chewing, with a sufficient amount of liquid (a full glass), half an hour after eating, preferably in the second half of the day or at night. Adults and children older than 10 years take 5-10 g of the drug (one or two teaspoons) once a day.

 When preparing for an X-ray and endoscopy procedure, adults take from 15 to 30 g of the drug (from 3 to 6 teaspoons) once a day before the procedure.

 The maximum allowed daily dosage for an adult is 30 g.

 The duration of therapy with the drug is not more than 7-14 days, depending on the doctor's recommendations.

 The effect of the drug is rather mild. Against the backdrop of therapy with Agiolax, a regular, decorated bowel movement without pains in the abdomen appears.

[13], [14]

Use of the agiolax during pregnancy

During the first trimester of pregnancy, the drug is allowed to be used under the supervision of a doctor, but only if it is not possible to cure stiff bowel movements by prescribing a special diet or using other safe means. In subsequent periods of pregnancy, drug use is undesirable.

 A small amount of decay products can be found in breast milk, but there was no laxative effect on the baby's digestive tract.

 Based on the foregoing, the decision on the possibility of using the drug by pregnant and lactating women should only be taken by a specialist. 

Contraindications

 Contraindications to the use of the drug are:

• signs of intestinal obstruction, spasmodic constipation;
• diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation;
• acute course of inflammatory processes in the intestine (colitis, ulcers of the intestine, inflammation of the appendix, b-n Kron);
• pain in the abdomen of an unclear etiology;
• severe dehydration, violation of water and electrolyte balance;
• liver and urinary system diseases;
• children's age till 10 years;
• failure of the body fructose;
• infringement of a hernia;
• bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
• allergic reactions to the components of the drug.

[10]

Side effects of the agiolax

 Agiolax is usually not accompanied by side effects, but occasionally they still occur:

• permanent long-term use can trigger a water and electrolyte balance disorder;
• the change of diarrhea constipation can provoke a potassium deficiency, which in turn will lead to a disruption in the function and activity of the heart, especially if the drug is treated with diuretics, steroid hormones or cardiac glycosides;
• may appear albuminuria and hematuria;
• Sometimes a reversible appearance of pigmentary infiltration on the intestinal mucosa is observed;
• In rare cases, allergies, bloating, rumbling may occur.

 Almost always during the treatment with the drug pigmentation of urine in a saturated yellow color is observed, which is not an excuse for stopping therapy.

 Adverse events are very rare and are stopped immediately after discontinuation of treatment with the drug. 

[11], [12]

Overdose

The main symptoms of drug overdose:

• increased intestinal peristalsis up to colic;
• the development of significant diarrhea with the creation of a deficiency of fluid in the body and a violation of the electrolyte balance.

 To stop signs of overdose, you need to see a doctor, give the patient plenty of drink. It may be necessary to introduce additional electrolytic drugs, in particular, potassium-containing preparations. 

[15]

Interactions with other drugs

With prolonged use of the drug, a lack of potassium can enhance the effect of medications that affect contractile activity of the myocardium (such medicines include, for example, cardiac glycosides - strophanthin, korglikon, etc.).

 Loss of potassium by the body can worsen with simultaneous use of the drug with diuretic (diuretic) drugs, adrenocorticosteroid hormones and liquorice preparations.

 When using Agiolax, absorption of other medications in the intestine can be slowed down.

 In patients taking insulin, you should change its dosage when taking Agiolax, as in one teaspoon of granules contains about 1 g of sucrose (this is equivalent to 0.08 XE). 

[16], [17], [18]

Storage conditions

 The medication should be stored at room temperature, in a dry, dark place, in the original packaging.

[19], [20]

Shelf life

The shelf life of Agiolax is up to five years. 

[21], [22]