Gatilac 68 % Oral Solution

Osmotic laxative for:

• Constipation (including in children, the elderly and pregnancy)
• Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion due to liver failure) — treatment and prevention
• Softening stools after anal surgery or with haemorrhoids

Constipation (solution 3.35 g/5 ml):

• Adults: 15 ml twice daily initially, then adjust (usually 15–45 ml daily).
• Children 5–17 years: 5–20 ml twice daily.
• Children 1–4 years: 2.5–10 ml twice daily.
• Infants under 1 year: 2.5 ml twice daily.
• May take 1–2 days (up to 48 hours) to work.

Hepatic encephalopathy (adults): 30–50 ml three times daily, adjusted to give 2–3 soft stools daily.

• Can be mixed with water or juice; drink plenty of fluids.

• Bowel obstruction or perforation
• Galactosaemia (inherited inability to process galactose)
• Allergy to lactulose

Common: wind, bloating, abdominal cramps, especially in the first days (usually improves).

With high doses: diarrhoea, nausea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (low potassium, high sodium).

• Contains small amounts of lactose, galactose and fructose — caution in diabetes (normal doses are generally fine), lactose intolerance.
• Constipation lasting over 2 weeks, bleeding or weight loss need medical review.
• Hepatic encephalopathy: do not combine with other laxatives.

Safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Antacids and neomycin may reduce effect in hepatic encephalopathy
• Diuretics, steroids (low potassium with diarrhoea)
• May speed passage of mesalazine delayed-release products

Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dehydration. Stop and give fluids; seek advice if severe.

Store below 30°C. Do not refrigerate (may become thick). Use within the period stated after opening.