Guttalax

Guttalax is a drug containing the active substance sodium picosulfate. Sodium picosulfate is a drug from the group of laxatives, which are used to relieve constipation and stimulate intestinal peristalsis.

The drug is usually available as an oral solution or as tablets. Sodium picosulfate works by stimulating intestinal peristalsis, which increases the volume and decreases the consistency of stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines.

Guttalax is used to treat temporary or chronic constipation, and to prepare for medical procedures such as colonoscopy or X-rays of the intestines. It is usually taken at bedtime and its effects begin within 6-12 hours after administration.

It is important to use Guttalax only as directed by your doctor and to follow the package directions or your doctor's instructions for dosage and dosage.

Indications Guttalax

Guttalax is used to treat temporary or chronic conditions of constipation. It can also be used to prepare for medical procedures such as colonoscopy or X-ray of the intestines, when it is necessary to clear the intestines of stool.

Additionally, this drug may sometimes be prescribed as a bowel cleansing medication before surgery or other medical procedures.

Release form

1. Oral drops: This is a liquid form of the drug intended for oral administration. It may come in bottles with a dispenser for precise dosing.
2. Tablets or pills: These are solid forms of the drug that are taken orally (by mouth). They are usually coated to protect them from being broken down in the stomach before they reach the intestines.
3. Syrup: Some manufacturers may produce Guttalax in syrup form for ease of administration, especially for children or people who have difficulty swallowing solid forms of the drug.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Laxative action:

   • Sodium picosulfate is a laxative that acts at the level of the large intestine.
   • It is converted into the active form (diahydroxyphenyl anthraquinone), which stimulates receptors in the colonic mucosa, increasing peristalsis and the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal contents.
   • This mechanism of action helps to increase the volume of intestinal contents and accelerate intestinal transit, which makes stool easier and promotes its elimination.

2. Stool regulation:

   • The use of sodium picosulfate helps regulate stool in various disorders such as constipation.
   • It is commonly used to facilitate bowel movements and improve peristalsis in patients with various intestinal problems.

3. Duration of action:

   • The effect of sodium picosulfate begins 6-12 hours after administration and can last up to 24 hours.

4. Dose-dependent effect:

   • The laxative effect of sodium picosulfate is dose-dependent. Higher doses may result in more intense stimulation of the bowel and faster stool appearance.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Sodium picosulfate is not usually absorbed in significant amounts into the bloodstream from the digestive tract. Most of its action occurs in the intestine.
2. Metabolism: Sodium picosulfate is metabolized in the intestine by bacterial enzymes.
3. Excretion: Sodium picosulfate metabolites and drug residues are excreted from the body via the intestines, usually in the feces.
4. Duration of action: The action of sodium picosulfate usually begins 6-12 hours after administration and can last up to 24 hours.
5. Metabolism and excretion in case of renal failure: In patients with impaired renal function, dosage adjustment may be required, as they may have problems with the metabolism and excretion of the drug.

Dosing and administration

1. Directions for use:

   • Guttalax is usually taken orally (by mouth).
   • It is recommended to take the drug in the morning, for example, 30 minutes before breakfast, to achieve the effect during the day.
   • Drops or tablets should be swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing.

2. Dosage:

   • The dosage of Guttalax usually starts with the minimum effective dose and can be increased if necessary under the supervision of a physician.
   • The usual starting dose for adults is 10-20 drops (5-10 mg) or 1-2 tablets (5-10 mg) per day.
   • For children, the dosage may be lower and depends on age. Usually, the initial dose for children is 5-10 drops (2.5-5 mg) or 1 tablet (2.5 mg) per day.

3. Dose adjustment:

   • The dose may be adjusted depending on the body's response to treatment.
   • If after several days of treatment the effect is not achieved, the dose can be increased to the minimum effective for the given patient.
   • When increasing the dose, attention should be paid to the possible increase in side effects.

Use Guttalax during pregnancy

1. General information:

   • The use of any laxatives during pregnancy should be done under strict medical supervision. Although sodium picosulfate is considered relatively safe because it acts locally in the intestine and is not absorbed in significant quantities, its safety during pregnancy has not been fully studied.

2. Pregnancy:

   • Some studies suggest that stimulant laxatives such as sodium picosulfate may be used during pregnancy, but only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
   • In the first trimester of pregnancy, when the main organs of the fetus are being formed, any medications, including laxatives, should be used with extreme caution.

3. Alternatives:

   • Doctors often recommend starting with gentler treatments for constipation during pregnancy, such as dietary changes (increasing fiber intake), drinking more fluids, and exercising regularly, before resorting to medications.

4. Side effects and precautions:

   • When using Guttalax during pregnancy, it is important to monitor for possible side effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women.

Contraindications

1. Individual intolerance: People with known individual intolerance to sodium picosulfate or any other components of the drug should avoid using it.
2. Hypersensitivity to medications: Some people may experience hypersensitivity to medications, including sodium picosulfate, which may lead to allergic reactions.
3. Acute appendicitis or acute inflammation of the abdomen: The use of Guttalax may be contraindicated in the presence of acute appendicitis or acute inflammation of the abdomen prior to surgery.
4. Severe electrolyte disturbances: The use of sodium picosulfate may be limited in patients with severe electrolyte disturbances such as hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.
5. Acute abdominal pain of unknown etiology: The drug may mask the symptoms of serious abdominal diseases, so its use may be contraindicated in acute abdominal pain of unknown etiology until a diagnostic examination has been performed.
6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of sodium picosulfate use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Therefore, its use during these periods may be limited and requires consultation with a physician.

Side effects Guttalax

1. Pain in the abdomen or stomach.
2. Diarrhea.
3. Gas formation.
4. Unpleasant feeling in the stomach.
5. Feeling of discomfort in the abdominal area.
6. Increased bowel movements.
7. Vomiting or nausea may occasionally occur.

Overdose

1. Strong laxative effect: Overdose may result in excessive stimulation of the intestines and increased peristalsis, which may cause excessive diarrhea and loss of fluid and electrolytes.
2. Dehydration: Excessive laxative effects can lead to excessive fluid and electrolyte loss, with children, the elderly and patients with chronic diseases being particularly vulnerable.
3. Electrolyte Imbalances: Increased loss of potassium, sodium and other electrolytes can lead to the development of electrolyte imbalances, which can have negative effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
4. Abdominal Discomfort and Intestinal Cramps: Excessive irritation of the intestines can cause abdominal pain, intestinal cramps and discomfort.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Medicines that increase intestinal motility: Medicines that increase intestinal motility, such as some prokinetics or serotonin receptor agonists, may enhance or change the effect of Guttalax.
2. Antacids and other drugs containing aluminum, magnesium or calcium: When taken with Guttalax, they may reduce its effectiveness due to changes in the pH environment in the intestines.
3. Drugs that reduce gastric acidity: Their use simultaneously with Guttalax may cause a delay in the release of sodium picosulfate and, therefore, reduce its effectiveness.
4. Medicines affecting electrolyte balance: Taking Guttalax may worsen electrolyte disturbances, especially in patients taking diuretics or other drugs affecting electrolyte balance.

Storage conditions

Guttalax should be stored in a dry place at temperatures up to 25°C, out of the reach of children. It is important to avoid freezing and extreme storage conditions, such as high humidity or direct exposure to sunlight. Keep the drug away from direct light and avoid storing in the bathroom or near heating devices. Check the packaging or instructions for the drug for more accurate information on storage conditions.