PORTOLAC ® is a Lactitol-based drug.
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Laxatives - Osmotic laxative.
Indications PORTOLAC ® Lactitol
PORTOLAC ® is indicated in the symptomatic treatment of occasional constipation, and as a prophylaxis or therapy of intestinal diseases following dysbiosis.
Mechanism of action PORTOLAC ® Lactitol
PORTOLAC ® is a drug based on a second generation synthetic disaccharide known as lactitol. Its particular structure allows this sugar, taken orally, to cross unaltered both the gastric and intestinal environments, thus reaching the colon. At this level, the lactitol is fermented by the local bacterial flora into lactic acid and acetic acid, which - acidifying the intestinal lumen - they cause an increase in osmotic pressure and a consequent recall of water, useful for hydrating the stool and facilitating its evacuation.
The laxative effect also seems to be associated with a direct action of these acids on the intestinal mucosa, allowing an increase in peristalsis and improving defecatory capacity.
The induction of acid fermentation makes lactitol an important prebiotic substance, capable of supporting the growth of the resident intestinal flora, to the detriment of the potentially dangerous putrefactive one (as in the case of hepatic encephalopathy).
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
LACTITOL AND HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2010 Sep; 22: 341-50.
Current and emerging strategies for treating hepatic encephalopathy.
Foster KJ, Lin S, Turck CJ.
Hepatic encephalopathy is a complex pathological condition, also characterized by the "increase in ammonia and consequent symptoms, particularly dangerous, especially in the brain. In the current treatment, a potential strategy is represented by the use of osmotic laxatives, which are effective. both in favoring defecation with the related metabolites, and in supporting the growth of the fermentative intestinal flora to the detriment of the putrefactive one, partly responsible for the production of ammonium.
2.LATTITOL AND LACTOBACILLI FOR INTESTINAL HEALTH
Br J Nutr. 2009 Feb; 101: 367-75. Epub 2008 Jul 18.
Influence of a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and lactitol on healthy elderly: intestinal and immune parameters.
Ouwehand AC, Tiihonen K, Saarinen M, Putaala H, Rautonen N.
The simultaneous administration of a prebiotic such as lactitol and a probiotic such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, has been shown to be particularly useful in improving intestinal health, disinfecting the enteric mucosa, rebalancing the microflora and reducing the markers of some inflammatory cytokines. These effects underlie the dual role of the "intestine," digestive and immune organ ".
3. LATTITOL AND Diarrhea
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2007 Feb; 53: 13-20.
Threshold for transitory diarrhea induced by ingestion of xylitol and lactitol in young male and female adults.
Oku T, Nakamura S.
One of the most common side effects associated with the consumption of lactitol, relates to diarrhea, especially when it is taken in excessive bumps. Estimating the amount of lactitol capable of causing this effect is very important to avoid possible side reactions. The currently fixed dose is 0.25 g / kg for men and 0.34 g / kg for women.
Method of use and dosage
PORTOLAC ® oral powder, 5gr measuring spoons; sachets of 5 and 10 gr of lactitol; soluble lactitol tablets: it is recommended to take 10-15 grams of lactitol per day, preferably in the evening before going to bed, dissolved in water or other liquids. The optimization of its laxative effect would be obtained following the addition to the common diet of fruit cooked, yogurt and fiber in general.
It is advisable to start with the lowest possible dosages, possibly increasing the doses in case of reduced efficacy, but without in any case prolonging the treatment beyond the pre-established times.
Prolonged intake (to be avoided in any case), and possible administration in children, should only take place under strict medical supervision.
PORTOLAC ® Warnings Lactitol
The intake of PORTOLAC ® should be preceded and accompanied by the introduction of appropriate hygiene and food standards, useful for preserving the nutritional integrity of foods and the correct dietary intake of fiber. In any case, the absence of absorbable sugars allows the lactitol to be used without too many restrictions, even in the presence of endocrine-metabolic pathologies.
Particular attention, on the other hand, should be paid to the continuous use of laxatives, which is often associated with diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia and heart failure, up to the loss of the laxative efficacy of the drug, intestinal atony and consequent constipation.
PORTOLAC ® does not affect the ability to drive and use machines.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The particular structure of lactitol does not allow this active ingredient to be absorbed in the intestine, minimizing the potential risks for the health of the fetus.
However, PORTOLAC ® intake during pregnancy and during the subsequent lactation period should only be done in case of real need and under close medical supervision.
Interactions
The intake of laxatives should be performed at least two hours away from that of other drugs, so that the increased intestinal motility does not reduce the absorption profile of the active ingredient taken at the same time.
The efficacy of PORTOLAC ® can be reduced by the concomitant administration of broad spectrum antibiotics and antacids, especially if used for its probiotic properties.
Contraindications PORTOLAC ® Lactitol
PORTOLAC ® is contraindicated in case of galactosemia and hypersensitivity to one of its components.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
Although the intake of PORTOLAC ® is well tolerated, it is possible, especially in the initial phase of treatment, to observe episodes of flatulence and abdominal cramps, which tend to regress promptly following discontinuation of therapy.
Note
PORTOLAC ® is an OTC drug, without a prescription, therefore freely salable.
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