Guttalax is a medication for oral administration, often recommended by specialists for stool delays. It is produced in two dosage forms: tablets and solution (drops). Let us consider in more detail how to correctly take Guttalax in the form of tablets, how it affects the body, and what are its contraindications.
Composition and pharmacological properties of tablets Guttalaks
The drug contains one active ingredient - sodium picosulphate, which refers to the triarylmethane group of laxatives. Excipients are: lactose monohydrate, starch, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.
After ingestion, the active ingredient passes through the stomach and small intestine and penetrates into the large intestine, where it begins its action. In the large intestine of sodium, picosulfate is cleaved with the participation of bacteria, resulting in an active metabolite. As a result, there is an effect on the nerve endings, which increases the intestinal peristalsis and promotes the accumulation of water and electrolytes in the large intestine. These processes lead to stimulation of bowel evacuation, softening of fecal masses and reduction of defecation time.
The effect of the drug occurs after 6-12 hours after administration. Guttalax acts gently, its components are not practically absorbed into the systemic bloodstream.
Indications for use of Guttalax
The laxative Guttalax is recommended in the following cases:
- constipation associated with atony and hypotension of the large intestine (including after surgical interventions, childbirth, during lactation);
- stool retention associated with taking certain medications;
- constipation with intestinal dysbiosis and diet disorders;
- the need to regulate the stool (softening of stool) in certain diseases;
- pathology of the gallbladder, irritable bowel syndrome with frequent constipation.
- preparation for surgical interventions, diagnostic studies of the intestine.
Dosage of Guttalax in tablets
When taking the product, it must be washed down with plenty of water. Dosage can be different and determined by the doctor individually. However, in most cases it is recommended to take 1-2 tablets of the drug, which corresponds to 5-10 mg of sodium picosulphate. To get the laxative effect in the morning, Guttalax should be taken in the evening before bedtime.
Precautions for the treatment of Guttalax
Despite the fact that Guttalax is considered a safe drug and is prescribed even during pregnancy, it can still cause some negative effects. In general, adverse reactions are associated with overdose of tablets and their long-term use. Therefore, you can not take Guttalax every day for more than 10 days without consulting a specialist, and also increase your own intake rate.
Violation of these recommendations can cause dehydration, failure of electrolyte balance, hypokalemia, dyspepsia, diarrhea. Chronic dosage leads to urolithiasis, damage to the renal tubules, metabolic alkalosis and other pathologies. Simultaneous reception of diuretics or glucocorticosteroids can increase the risk of side effects.
Contraindications to taking Guttalax tablets:
- intestinal obstruction;
- acute inflammatory diseases of the digestive system;
- pain in the abdomen of unexplained etiology;
- gastrointestinal bleeding;
- peritonitis;
- uterine bleeding;
- constipation associated with impaired motor function of the intestine;
- severe dehydration;
- pregnancy in the first trimester;
- individual intolerance of the drug components.