Avolac Oral Solution 100ml

Uses of Avolac Oral Solution

Treats:

• Constipation
• Hepatic Encephalopathy

How does Avolac Oral Solution work?

Avolac Oral Solution helps in softening stools by breaking down in the colon and extracting water into the colon. It decreases ammonia in the blood by drawing it into the colon and removing it from the body.

Side Effects of Avolac Oral Solution

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Belching
• Flatulence
• Low potassium and magnesium

Quick Suggestions:

• Avolac Oral Solution is a laxative medication. It is used to treat constipation.
• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to lactulose or to any of the other ingredients of Avolac Oral Solution.
• Talk to your doctor if you observe no improvement even after several days of taking this medicine.
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease, blockage in the digestive tract, or any abnormality of gut movement.
• If you experience any side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, immediately inform your doctor.
• Before starting Avolac Oral Solution, inform your doctor if you are pregnant/breastfeeding and about your complete medical history.

Indication of Avolac Oral Solution

Pharmacology

Lactulose is a type of laxative that promotes peristalsis in the colon by creating an osmotic effect, leading to increased water retention and distention. This stimulates bowel movements and helps alleviate constipation.

In the context of hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose has an additional mechanism of action. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonium ions and other toxic nitrogenous compounds in the colon. These substances are byproducts of protein metabolism, and in liver disease, particularly in hepatic encephalopathy, the liver may not be able to adequately remove these toxins from the bloodstream. This can lead to elevated blood ammonia concentrations, which can contribute to the neurological symptoms seen in hepatic encephalopathy.

Lactulose helps lower blood ammonia levels by drawing ammonia from the bloodstream into the colon, where it is converted into ammonium ions. The presence of ammonium ions in the colon causes an acidic environment, which favors the conversion of ammonia (NH3) into ammonium (NH4+). Ammonium ions are less readily absorbed by the intestines, reducing the overall ammonia load in the blood.

By reducing blood ammonia concentrations, lactulose can improve the symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy, such as confusion, tremors, and decreased level of consciousness. It is an essential part of the management and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver disease.

Dosage & Administration of Avolac Oral Solution

The adult dose for Avolac Oral Solution varies depending on the purpose of use:

For Constipation:

• The recommended dose is 15-30 mL (10-20 g) taken orally once daily.
• If necessary, the dose may be increased to 60 mL (40 g) once daily.

For Portal Systemic Encephalopathy Prophylaxis:

• The initial dose is 30-45 mL (20-30 g) taken orally every 6-8 hours.
• The dosage should be adjusted until 2-3 soft stools are produced daily.
• In acute cases, the dose may be given every 1-2 hours until 2-3 soft stools are achieved.
• After defecation is achieved, the dose can be reduced to 20-30 g taken every 6-8 hours.
• The dosage will be titrated to maintain 2-3 soft stools daily.

The child's dose for Avolac Oral Solution is as follows:

For Constipation:

• The recommended dose is 0.7-2 g/kg/day (1-3 mL/kg/day) taken orally in divided doses.
• The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 g/day (60 mL/day).

For Portal Systemic Encephalopathy Prophylaxis in Infants:

• The initial dose is 2.5-10 mL/day (1.7-6.67 g/day) taken orally in divided doses.
• The dosage will be titrated to produce 2-3 soft stools daily.

For Portal Systemic Encephalopathy Prophylaxis in Children and Adolescents:

• The recommended dose is 40-90 mL/day (26.7-60 g/day) taken orally in divided doses.
• The dosage will be titrated to produce 2-3 soft stools daily.

When taking Avolac Oral Solution, it is essential to follow your physician's advice. Remember to shake the bottle well before use, use a measuring cup or spoon, and swallow the medicine immediately without keeping it in your mouth for too long. You can mix the medicine with fruit juice or water. Staying well-hydrated by consuming 6-8 glasses of fluids daily is recommended.

Always adhere to the prescribed dose and duration of treatment, as your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your age, body weight, and medical condition.

Interaction

• Some medicines can affect the way Avolac Oral Solution works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Avolac Oral Solution may increase the loss of potassium caused by other medicines like thiazides (used to treat fluid accumulation and high blood pressure), steroids (used to treat inflammation), and amphotericin B (used to treat fungal infections).
• The use of this medicine with cardiac glycosides like digitalis (used for the treatment of heart failure) can increase the effect of the glycosides by causing potassium deficiency.
• By increasing the dosage of Avolac Oral Solution, a decrease in the pH value of the colon occurs which may inactivate those medicines which are released in the colon (like 5-ASA used for treating inflammatory bowel disease).

Contraindications

Avolac Oral Solution should not be taken if you have certain conditions or allergies. It is contraindicated for individuals with:

1. Allergy to any of its ingredients
2. Galactosaemia (a disorder where galactose cannot be digested)
3. Galactose or fructose intolerance
4. Glucose-galactose malabsorption
5. Lapp lactase deficiency
6. Intestinal blockage or digestive perforation

Pregnancy & Lactation

Lactulose is classified under Pregnancy Category B by the US FDA. Pregnancy Category B indicates that animal studies have not shown any adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women.

While there is no evidence of harm from Lactulose use during pregnancy, decisions regarding its use during pregnancy and lactation should be made by a registered physician. The doctor will consider the potential benefits of the medication for the pregnant or breastfeeding individual, as well as the possible risks to the fetus or infant. The physician will weigh these factors to determine the most appropriate course of action for the individual's health and the well-being of their baby. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's advice and recommendations to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding experience.

Precautions & Warnings

It's essential to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking Avolac Oral Solution:

1. Inability to digest lactose (lactose intolerant)
2. Diabetes
3. Irritable bowel syndrome
4. If you are scheduled to undergo a colonoscopy

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this oral solution.

Misuse or chronic use of Avolac Oral Solution may lead to diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, it should only be taken as advised by the doctor to ensure safe and appropriate use of the medication. Always follow your doctor's instructions and dosages to avoid any potential complications or adverse effects.

Storage Conditions

Store below 25°C in a dry place away from light. Keep the medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Do not use later than the date of expiry. To be dispensed only on the prescription of a registered physician.