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 motility.

The drug is usually available in the form of an oral solution or tablets. The action of sodium picosulfate is based on stimulation of intestinal peristalsis, which helps to increase the volume and reduce the consistency of stool, which facilitates its passage through the intestines.

Guttalax is used to treat temporary or chronic conditions of constipation, as well as to prepare for medical procedures such as colonoscopy or bowel x-rays. It is usually taken before bed and its effects begin 6-12 hours after administration.

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

Indications Guttalaxa

Guttalax is used to treat temporary or chronic conditions of constipation. It can also be used to prepare for medical procedures, such as colonoscopies or bowel x-rays, when it is necessary to clear the bowels of stool.

Also, this drug may sometimes be prescribed as a medication to cleanse the colon before surgery or other medical procedures.

Release form

1. Oral drops: This is a liquid form of the drug intended for oral administration. It can be supplied in bottles with a dispenser for precise dosing.
2. Tablets or dragees: These are solid forms of the drug that are taken orally (by mouth). They usually have a coating that provides protection from destruction in the stomach before reaching 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 to the active form (diahydroxyphenyl anthraquinone), which stimulates receptors in the colon mucosa, increasing peristalsis and the secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestinal contents.
   • This mechanism of action helps to increase the volume of intestinal contents and accelerate transit through the intestines, which makes stool lighter and promotes its elimination.

2. Stool regulation:

   • The use of sodium picosulfate helps regulate bowel movements for various disorders such as constipation.
   • It is commonly used to ease 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 effectiveness of the laxative action of sodium picosulfate depends on the dosage. Higher doses may result in greater bowel stimulation and faster stool production.

Pharmacokinetics

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

Dosing and administration

1. Method of application:

   • Guttalax is usually taken orally (by mouth).
   • It is recommended to take the drug in the morning, for example, 30 minutes before breakfast, to get the effect throughout 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 less and depends on age. Typically, the starting 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 patient.
   • When increasing the dose, you should pay attention to the possible increase in side effects.

Use Guttalaxa during pregnancy

1. General information:

   • The use of any laxatives during pregnancy should be 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 formation of the main organs of the fetus occurs, 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 changing your diet (increasing your 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 a known individual intolerance to sodium picosulfate or any other components of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Drug Sensitivity: Some people may experience hypersensitivity to medications, including sodium picosulfate, which may lead to allergic reactions.
3. Acute appendicitis or acute abdominal inflammation: The use of Guttalax may be contraindicated in the presence of acute appendicitis or acute abdominal inflammation 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 case of acute abdominal pain of unknown etiology until a diagnostic examination is performed.
6. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: The safety of sodium picosulfate during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been established. Therefore, its use during these periods may be limited and requires consultation with a doctor.

Side effects Guttalaxa

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

Overdose

1. Strong laxative effect: Overdosage may result in excessive intestinal stimulation and increased peristalsis, which may cause excessive diarrhea and loss of fluid and electrolytes.
2. Desidration: Excessive laxative effects may result in excessive fluid and electrolyte loss, with children, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases being particularly vulnerable.
3. Electrolyte disturbances: Increased loss of potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes may result in electrolyte imbalances, which may have adverse effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
4. Abdominal discomfort and colic: Excessive intestinal irritation may cause abdominal pain, colic, and discomfort.

Interactions with other drugs

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

Storage conditions

Guttalax should be stored in a dry place at a temperature of 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 out of 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.