AGIOLAX ® is a drug based on concentrated extracts of senna and ispaghula seeds.
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Laxatives - Contact laxative (stimulant) + bulk-forming laxative
Indications AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds
AGIOLAX ® is indicated in the short-term symptomatic treatment of occasional constipation.
Mechanism of action AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds
The laxative action of AGIOLAX ® is due to the presence of various active ingredients, with complementary biological functions, capable of optimizing the activity of the drug. More precisely, the seeds of ispaghula act as mass-forming laxatives, reaching unaltered the intestinal lumen where they retain water thanks to their important hydrophilic properties, and significantly increase the fecal content; the concentrate of anthraquinone glycosides extracted from senna, on the other hand, once metabolized by the bacterial flora of the colon, exerts a direct action on the intestinal mucosa, increasing normal peristalsis and facilitating the defecatory act.
The dual action, both mass-forming and stimulating, optimizes the laxative action of AGIOLAX ®
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. LAXATIVES
Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Apr; 100: 936-71.
Efficacy and safety of traditional medical therapies for chronic constipation: systematic review.
Ramkumar D, Rao SS.
Although the use of laxatives is particularly frequent and widespread, both with and without medical supervision, only some of the various active ingredients commonly used are supported by scientific evidence. Among these, ispaghula seeds certainly represent one of the most characterized "phytotherapeutic" compounds, for both potential therapeutic and side effects.
2. THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF LAXATIVES
Dis Colon Rectum. 2001 Aug; 44: 1201-9.
Adverse effects of laxatives.
Xing JH, Soffer EE.
Although most of the laxatives on the market today are characterized by a good safety profile, the careful examination of the scientific literature is scattered with case-reports that show side effects that are generally not counted among the most common. Classical examples are represented by seeds psyllium, for which the presence of severe allergic reactions has been described, and senna derivatives, associated with histological and functional alterations of the intestinal mucosa (see colon melanosis). These effects, often realized following the chronic administration of these products must necessarily be clarified through specific clinical trials.
3.L "EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINED THERAPY
Am J Gastroenterol. 1987 Apr; 82: 333-7.
Comparative laxation of psyllium with and without senna in an ambulatory constipated population.
Marlett JA, Li BU, Patrow CJ, Bass P.
Studies have shown that the combined therapy of ispaghula and senna may be more effective in the treatment of constipation than monotherapy. In fact, the combined therapy ensured a resolution of constipation episodes in 63% of treated patients, while monotherapy proved effective only in 48% of cases.
Method of use and dosage
AGIOLAX ® granules containing 54.2 grams of ispaghula seeds and 6.74-13.15 g of senna fruit per 100g of product; 5 g sachets containing 2.71 g of plantain seeds and 0.33 -0.65 grams of senna fruits: the recommended dose is one or two sachets (one or two teaspoons, for the jar shape) before breakfast and after dinner.
The contents should be placed on the tongue and swallowed with a large glass of water.
To optimize the laxative efficacy of AGIOLAX ® it is recommended to take it in the context of a diet rich in liquids.
It is important to start treatment with the lowest possible doses, and possibly increase the dosage of AGIOLAX ® until the desired effect is obtained.
Warnings AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds
AGIOLAX ® should only be taken in case of occasional constipation, given the need for a therapeutic protocol in case of chronic constipation, and for time intervals not exceeding 7 days, given the potential side effects described following administration. continuation of these medicines.
Although the drug can be sold without a prescription, especially for elderly patients or in the presence of various diseases, medical supervision would be required.
AGIOLAX ® contains sucrose, therefore its use should be particularly careful in patients with diabetes.
During the administration of AGIOLAX ® it is important to increase the dietary intake of liquids, both in order to increase the laxative effect of the medicine and to avoid intestinal obstructions and blockages.
AGIOLAX ® does not alter the normal ability to drive vehicles and use machines.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
At the moment there are no clinical trials and scientific studies that demonstrate the effects on the health of the fetus related to the intake of AGIOLAX ® during pregnancy and lactation. In light of these data, the drug should be used only and exclusively in case of real need. and under close medical supervision.
Of course AGIOLAX ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to one of its components.
Interactions
The reduction in intestinal transit speed induced by laxatives could determine a reduction in the absorption of the active ingredients taken at the same time, and a decrease in their biological efficacy. Therefore, the assumption of AGIOLAX ® should not take place earlier than two hours after the previous intake of oral medications.
The abuse of laxatives, accompanied by a reduction in plasma potassium concentrations, could potentiate the side effects of other drugs active on the cardiovascular system, such as digitalis.
Contraindications AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds
AGIOLAX ® should not be taken in case of acute or chronic affections of the gastrointestinal tract, in case of intestinal stenosis, obstruction and atony and hypersensitivity towards one of its components.
AGIOLAX ® is also contraindicated in children under the age of 10 years.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
The adverse reactions described following the intake of AGIOLAX ® are associated in part with the relaxing effect on the intestinal wall induced by ispaghula seeds, and in part with sennosoids, with the appearance of cramping abdominal pain and colic.
Prolonged intake of laxatives could be responsible for diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalaemia, intestinal atony and chronic constipation.
Note
AGIOLAX ® is an OTC drug, without the obligation of a doctor's prescription, therefore freely salable.
The information on AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
