ZETALAX*AD 18SUPP 2.25G

ZETALAX Glycerine Micro-enemas for adults 6.75 g
ZETALAX Glycerine Micro-enemas for children 2.25 g
Glycerol

What it is and what it is used for
Glycerol, the active ingredient in this medicine, helps to facilitate the elimination of faeces. The laxative effect is achieved thanks to glycerol's ability to soften faeces and cause a slight local irritant action that stimulates bowel movements.
This medicine is indicated for the symptomatic relief of occasional and temporary constipation.
Consult your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after a short period of treatment.

What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not use ZETALAX Glycerine Micro-enemas if:
- you are allergic to the active ingredient or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
- you have nausea or vomiting, an obstruction or narrowing (stenosis) of the intestine, or any situation of abdominal pain of unknown cause;
- you have pain and/or bleeding from the rectum (for example, in cases of haemorrhoids);
- you are in a severe state of dehydration manifested by a dry and sticky mouth, thirst, scanty urine, absence or scarcity of tears, and dry skin.

Warnings and precautions
Laxatives should be used as infrequently as possible and for no more than 7 days; use for longer periods of time requires a doctor's prescription. During treatment, drink at least 6-8 glasses of water, or other liquids, to help soften the faeces.
Abuse of laxatives can cause dependence (with a possible need to progressively increase the dosage), chronic constipation, and loss of normal bowel function (intestinal atony). Furthermore, abuse could cause persistent diarrhoea with consequent loss of water (dehydration), mineral salts, especially potassium (hypokalaemia), and other essential nutrients. The loss of mineral salts causes alterations in the ions present in the blood (electrolytic) characterised by the following symptoms: thirst, vomiting, weakness, oedema, bone pain (osteomalacia), and hypoalbuminaemia. More serious side effects are heart and muscle dysfunctions, especially in the case of concomitant treatment with certain heart medications (cardiac glycosides), with drugs that increase diuresis (diuretics), or corticosteroids.

Consult your doctor before using ZETALAX Glycerine Micro-enemas:
- if you are elderly or not in good health;
- 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;
- in children under 12 years of age.

If the use of the laxative does not produce effects after a short period of treatment, consult your doctor.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Usually, side effects due to ZETALAX Glycerine Micro-enemas affect the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal). Inform your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- crampy pain (isolated or widespread in the abdomen);
- non-continuous abdominal pain (colic);
- diarrhoea;
- redness with burning or pain (irritation) in the rectal area.

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, tell 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.