Description
LECTOEX contains Lactulose USP 10 g/15 mL in a syrup formulation. Lactulose is an osmotic laxative that helps increase water in the colon and soften stools. It is also used under medical supervision to reduce elevated ammonia levels associated with portal-systemic encephalopathy. The product is supplied in a 100 ML syrup pack.
For related gastrointestinal and digestive formulations, explore HEXZYME Digestive Enzyme Syrup from the Medhexa Pharma range.
Therapeutic Segment
Gastrointestinal Care | Laxative | Constipation Care | Hepatic Encephalopathy Support | Oral Syrup
Uses of LECTOEX
LECTOEX may be used for:
- Relief and management of constipation
- Softening of stools when an osmotic laxative is appropriate
- Prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, including hepatic encephalopathy, under medical supervision
- Reduction of intestinal ammonia absorption as part of hepatic encephalopathy management
The supplied product information also lists salmonellosis and renal insufficiency as benefits. However, these should not be presented as universal indications for lactulose because they are not standard indications in the current labeling reviewed. Any use for these conditions should depend on the treating physician’s assessment and the approved product label.
Key Benefits of LECTOEX
- Contains Lactulose USP at 10 g/15 mL.
- Helps soften stools and support bowel movement in constipation.
- Works locally in the colon with minimal systemic absorption.
- Supports management of portal-systemic or hepatic encephalopathy by helping reduce ammonia absorption.
- Provides a convenient oral syrup formulation.
- Supplied in a 100 ML bottle.
How LECTOEX Works
Lactulose reaches the colon largely unchanged, where intestinal bacteria break it down into organic acids. This increases the osmotic pressure in the colon and draws water into the stool, helping soften it and promote bowel movement.
In hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose acidifies the contents of the colon. This promotes conversion of ammonia into ammonium, which is less readily absorbed. The laxative effect then helps remove the trapped ammonium from the colon. This mechanism contributes to lowering blood ammonia levels in appropriate patients.
Common Side Effects of LECTOEX
Some people may experience:
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort or cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Changes in bowel habits
Excessive dosing may cause significant diarrhoea and fluid or electrolyte disturbances. If severe or persistent diarrhoea occurs, contact a healthcare professional.
Important Safety Information
Use LECTOEX according to the approved product label or healthcare professional’s advice.
- Do not take more than the recommended amount.
- Excessive use can cause diarrhoea, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Patients with diabetes or those following a medically restricted sugar or galactose diet should discuss use with their healthcare professional because some lactulose formulations contain small amounts of other sugars.
- Patients receiving lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy require medical monitoring, particularly when treatment is adjusted to achieve the desired bowel response.
- Tell your doctor if you have unexplained abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction or significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Persistent constipation, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain or vomiting requires medical evaluation.
- Keep the bottle out of reach of children.
- Use the product only for the condition and duration recommended by a healthcare professional.
Dosage & Administration
Take LECTOEX according to the product label and healthcare professional’s instructions.
For constipation, lactulose dosing is adjusted according to bowel response. For hepatic encephalopathy, the dose and frequency are individualized to achieve the therapeutic bowel response and control ammonia-related symptoms. Therefore, the appropriate regimen should be determined by the prescriber.
The 100 ML bottle size does not determine the dose. Measure each dose accurately using an appropriate measuring device.
Lactulose may require 24–48 hours to produce a normal bowel movement in some patients.
Storage
- Store LECTOEX according to the conditions stated on the product label.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
- Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not freeze.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not use after the expiry date.
- Follow any specific storage instructions printed on the packaging.
