Enterolax

Enterolax is a medication used to treat various gastrointestinal diseases and is a strong laxative.

Its main active ingredient is the substance sodium picosulfate. This component has a pronounced laxative activity and is a member of the triarylmethane group. [ 1 ]

Among the elements that are included in the composition of the drug as additional ones are: povidone with lactose, magnesium stearate, and starch.

Indications Enterolax

It is used for the treatment of constipation and other conditions when the patient needs to facilitate the process of defecation.

Release form

The medicinal product is released in the form of tablets - 10 pieces inside a blister pack; inside the box there are 1 or 3 such packs.

Pharmacodynamics

Metabolic processes that develop after the drug enters the colon cause a slowdown in the absorption of fluids; in addition, the secretion of electrolytes and the volume of water produced increases.

As a result, the fecal matter inside the intestine softens and increases in volume, which further stimulates intestinal peristalsis.

Pharmacokinetics

Sodium picosulfate is not absorbed in the digestive system and does not participate in the circulation processes in the liver and intestines.

The active metabolite, bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane, is formed during bacterial breakdown in the large intestine. The effect of Enterolax often begins 6-12 hours after the drug is administered (given the rate of release of the active breakdown product).

When taken orally, only a small amount of the drug is registered inside the systems and organs. The laxative activity of the drug does not correlate with the plasma indices of the active metabolic element.

Dosing and administration

The medication is taken orally, it is recommended to take a portion in the evening. The tablet should be swallowed whole and washed down with water.

An adult should take 1 tablet of Enterolax once a day. The development of laxative activity begins after 10-12 hours from the moment of taking the drug.

Children may use the medicine only with a doctor's prescription.

Like other laxatives, this medication should not be used systemically unless the cause of constipation has been diagnosed; the duration of its use is limited. With prolonged use, a disorder of the salt and water balance in the body, as well as a potassium deficiency, may develop.

• Application for children

It is prohibited to prescribe to children under 4 years of age.

Use Enterolax during pregnancy

Enterolax can be used during pregnancy only if there are vital indications.

If you need to take medication while breastfeeding, you should temporarily stop breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• severe intolerance to the active drug element or excipients;
• intestinal blockage;
• intestinal obstruction;
• severe dehydration;
• active forms of gastrointestinal tract lesions, including appendicitis;
• severe abdominal pain along with vomiting and nausea.

Combination with adrenocorticosteroids and diuretics may increase the likelihood of electrolyte imbalance.

It is forbidden to combine with antibiotics, as they can reduce the laxative effect.

Side effects Enterolax

The drug is generally tolerated without complications. Possible side effects include:

• signs of intolerance, including Quincke's edema;
• allergic urticaria, rashes and itching;
• diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating;
• discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.

Overdose

In case of intoxication, intestinal spasms, diarrhea, severe liquefaction of feces, chronic diarrhea and clinically significant loss of potassium and electrolytes develop.

Symptomatic measures are carried out - gastric lavage, induction of vomiting, ensuring the intake of a sufficient volume of fluid, as well as the use of antispasmodics, enterosorbents and astringents.

Interactions with other drugs

Use together with GCS and diuretics increases the likelihood of EBV indicator disturbances (for example, development of hypokalemia).

When used with Enterolax, the tolerability of SG may worsen.

Antibiotics with a wide range of effects can reduce the laxative effect of Na picosulfate.

Storage conditions

Enterolax must be stored at a temperature of no more than 25°C.

Shelf life

Enterolax can be used for a period of 3 years from the date of manufacture of the drug.

Analogues

The analogs of the drug are the substances Piconorm, Picolax and Picosen with Agiolax Pico, and also Picolux, Guttalax, Picoprep with Laxigal and Citraflit.