LACTULOSE SAND*SYR 180ML

Lactulose Sandoz 66.7% syrup

What it is and what it is used for
Lactulose Sandoz contains the active ingredient lactulose, a sugar that belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives, used to facilitate bowel movements.

In adults, this medicinal product is indicated:
- for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation;
- for the treatment of intestinal infections caused by certain bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, in combination with other medicines (adjunctive treatment).

In children and infants, it is indicated:
- for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation;
- for the treatment of intestinal disorders caused by incorrect nutrition (putrefactive syndromes);
- to promote adequate digestion when breastfeeding is stopped (when transitioning from breast milk to formula).

Consult your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 7 days.

What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not take Lactulose Sandoz
- if you are allergic to lactulose or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
- if you suffer from galactosemia, a genetic disease that prevents the digestion of certain sugars;
- if you have an intestinal obstruction or narrowing (stenosis);
- if you have abdominal pain of unknown origin, nausea, vomiting;
- if you notice the presence of blood of unknown origin in your stools (rectal bleeding);
- if you are severely dehydrated.

Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lactulose Sandoz.

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine in the following cases:
- if you suffer from diabetes, because this medicine may contain other types of sugars (lactose, galactose, tagatose);
- if you are elderly or debilitated;
- if you suffer from an intestinal disorder called meteorism. In this case, take the minimum dose at the beginning of the treatment, which can be gradually increased according to your condition;
- if you suffer from constipation that lasts for long periods (chronic) or that is frequent;
- if the need for a laxative results from a sudden change in previous bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of bowel movements) that has lasted for more than two weeks or when the use of the laxative is ineffective.

Excessive use of laxatives can cause persistent diarrhea with consequent loss of water, mineral salts, and other nutrients essential for the body. In more severe cases, severe dehydration and decreased potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia) can cause heart, nerve, and muscle problems (cardiac or neuromuscular dysfunctions), especially when simultaneously using medicines for heart rate problems (cardiac glycosides), medicines used to lower blood pressure (diuretics), and cortisone anti-inflammatories.

Abuse of laxatives, especially contact laxatives (stimulant laxatives), can cause dependence and habituation (the need to constantly increase the dosage), chronic constipation, and loss of normal intestinal function (intestinal atony).

Health education notes: Keep in mind that, in most cases, a balanced diet rich in water and fiber (bran, vegetables, and fruit) can solve the problem of constipation. Many people think they suffer from constipation if they cannot have a bowel movement every day. This is a mistaken belief, as this situation is completely normal for a large number of people.
Instead, constipation is considered to be when bowel movements are reduced compared to personal habits and are associated with the passage of hard stools. If episodes of constipation occur repeatedly, a doctor should be consulted.

Children
In children under 12 years of age, Lactulose Sandoz should only be used after consulting a doctor.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
- cramping or abdominal colic pain, more frequent in cases of severe constipation;
- flatulence;
- allergic reactions, skin rash, itching, urticaria (frequency not known).

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.