Published 03/20/2020 · Comments: · Reading time: 8 min · Views: Post Views: 7,770
Not all laxatives are created equal. The reasons for stool retention may be different, and drugs must be used with appropriate specificity. Constipation can be situational, chronic, due to atony or spasm of the intestinal muscles, caused by a disease, etc.
For the treatment of chronic or systematic constipation, a course of treatment with mild osmotic laxatives in small doses is used. The drug "Forlax" is one of them. It combines European quality and affordable price.
Osmotic laxatives are better known to the consumer as a means for complete bowel cleansing, used before tests. "Forlax" is used for another purpose - to normalize digestion in a situation where stool retention has turned into a systematic malaise.
Two dosage forms of the drug are registered in Russia: 1. For adults and children over 8 years old. 2. For children from 6 months to 8 years. Both options are available in the form of powders for dilution in individual foil film bags. The product package includes 20 sachets. For adults and children over 8 years old - 10 g powders, for children from 6 months to 8 years old - 4 g each.
Taste qualities of the product with the help of citrus flavor. Allergic people should take into account its composition: • orange oil; • grapefruit oil; • orange juice concentrate; • acetaldehyde; • sorbitol; • sulfur dioxide; • acacia gum; • citral; • maltodextrin.
Description of the drug
The medication is intended to help relieve constipation. Violations occur for various reasons - from poor nutrition to serious diseases of the digestive system. Forlax helps get rid of stool, but does not eliminate the source of constipation. An examination in a medical institution will reveal the origins of violations.
Forlax is prescribed by specialists for the timely removal of feces (in the absence of bowel movements for more than 2 days), as well as for cleansing the intestines in preparation for procedures in the intestines (colonoscopy, surgery). The effectiveness of the drug is confirmed by reviews from patients and doctors.
Forlax is an osmotic laxative whose active ingredient is macrogol (propylene glycol). Used to loosen stool for constipation of various origins.
Once in the digestive tract, the drug attracts water, thereby increasing the volume of feces, which leads to contraction of the intestines, irritation of its walls and rapid movement of feces to the “exit”.
The effect is mild and occurs 1-2 days after administration.
Macrogol is a high molecular weight compound; it is a linear polymer that holds water molecules through hydrogen bonds. Due to this, after oral administration of the drug, the volume of intestinal contents increases.
Unabsorbed fluid, which is located in the intestinal lumen, maintains the laxative effect of the drug. Pharmacological data confirm the absence of gastrointestinal absorption and biotransformation of macrogol when administered orally.
When taken orally, it is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is not metabolized.
- One sachet of Forlax contains 10 mg of the active substance macrogol-4000 and excipients: sodium saccharin and orange-grapefruit flavoring
- One sachet of Forlax for children contains 4 mg of the active substance macrogol-4000 and excipients: sodium saccharin 6.8 mg and orange-grapefruit flavoring 60 mg.
Macrogol, the active ingredient of Forlax, forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules in the intestinal lumen, increases the fluid content in the chyme, stimulates mechanoreceptors, and improves intestinal motility. Forlax increases the volume of chyme and prevents the loss of electrolytes in feces. As a result, the evacuation reflex is restored and defecation is normalized. Macrogol is not absorbed, not metabolized, and does not change the acidity of chyme.
Effect of the drug
The product has a delicate effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The components do not cause harm to other body systems. The speed of action of the laxative is reduced, the negative consequences of using the drug are minimal. The powder is prescribed to children in infancy.
The medicinal components penetrate the intestines. The binding of drug molecules and liquid molecules occurs. The volume increases, the structure of feces changes. The drug acts on the mechanical receptors of the large intestine. The laxative effect occurs within one to two days.
Defecation when using the product is painless. Parents do not have to deal with the whims of their children when taking the powder. Easy to drink, smells pleasant of citrus fruits. The diluted powder has a pleasant milky hue.
The dosage and regimen are prescribed by the doctor. It is not recommended to independently determine how, when and how much to take. The medicine has contraindications.
Instructions for use of Forlax, dosage
The drug in powder form should be diluted in cool boiled water before use. The pediatric dose (4 g) should be diluted in 50 ml of water, and the adult dose (10 g) should be diluted in 250 ml of water. It is recommended to take the drug during meals or before meals.
The dosage of Forlax for constipation in adults is 1-2 sachets once a day. It is better to take the product in the morning. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the attending physician.
The maximum daily dose for adults is 4 sachets.
If the patient has temporary changes in stool associated with operations or stress, as well as in the process of preparing for therapeutic and diagnostic measures on the large intestine, the use of the drug in a short course is allowed.
Forlax dosages for children (4g sachet):
- children 6-12 months are prescribed 1 sachet per day;
- children 1-4 years old – 1-2 sachets per day;
- children 4-8 years old – 2-4 sachets per day.
According to the instructions for use, if a doctor prescribes a daily dose of more than 1 sachet per day, it should be divided into two doses. The duration of the course of treatment should not exceed 3 months.
The effect of Forlax is noted only after 1-2 days from the moment of administration. During treatment, it is recommended to maintain sufficient physical activity, drink more water and eat foods rich in plant fiber.
Analogs
Forlax, in the presence of intolerance or contraindications, is replaced by a specialist with a drug of similar action.
List of recommended medications:
- Lavacol. Does not contain information about age restrictions;
- Normaze. No age restrictions;
- Realaxan. Used in treatment from the age of 14;
- Osmogol. Approved for use from 6 months;
- Transipeg. Can be used after 1 year;
- Fortrans. Appointed from age 15;
- Forteza. Used after the child reaches 12 years of age;
- Endofalk. Can be used after 18 years of age.
When choosing an analogue, side effects, age parameters and the presence of contraindications are taken into account. Consultation with a specialist is recommended (especially to eliminate constipation in childhood).
Advantages of the drug over other drugs
Among a wide range of medications to relieve constipation, Forlax stands out for the following points:
- no harmful effects on the digestive tract;
- has a pleasant taste and aroma, so there are no problems for use in childhood;
- allowed for use by children during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- can be used in the presence of diabetes, as well as in old age;
- is not addictive, so long-term use of the medication is possible;
- side effects develop when the rules for taking the drug are not followed, and in extremely rare cases.
Forlax has a mild effect and high efficiency, while it belongs to the budget price category.
Precautionary measures
Nuances for using the drug:
- Forlax should be used after eliminating contraindications;
- do not use the drug if you are intolerant to fructose;
- in the presence of pregnancy or during breastfeeding, as well as the use of the drug in infants, is permitted after consultation with a specialist;
- in case of severe side effects, a change in medication is required (recommended after consultation with your doctor);
- if you are predisposed to water-salt imbalance and in elderly people, take the drug with caution;
- maintain water balance in the body (increase fluid intake).
The drug does not affect concentration, so there is no prohibition on driving or participating in work with increased attention.
Colon cleansing
The drug is produced packaged in sachets of 4 g and 10 g. It ensures ease of use in children and adults. The package contains 10 or 20 pieces. The instructions will help you correctly determine the dose and duration of treatment.
For children
Forlax is used to cleanse the intestines of children from six months. The child will not always determine the causes of anxiety. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the functioning of the digestive organs. When the intestines are in order, bowel movements occur daily.
Constipation in children occurs for various reasons. An unbalanced diet provokes fecal retention in the intestines. The drinking regime affects the passage of bowel movements on time. Psychological troubles (baby weaning, potty training, public toilets, etc.) provoke the appearance of the disease.
If delayed bowel movements persist, consult a doctor. The examination will show a picture of the development of the disease. Constipation can be a consequence of digestive diseases or improper arrangement of organs. Eliminating the cause will also eliminate the effect.
Children under one year of age are given 1/4 glass of water with a dissolved small sachet (4 g). As a last resort, it is recommended to dissolve the powder in milk. A child under four years old is given up to 8 g per day. Treatment is continued for up to three months. Carefully! The drug is addictive.
For adults
The composition of the drug is safe for people with diabetes and pregnant women. Also indicated for nursing mothers and elderly people. It is not recommended to extend the period of admission beyond four months. Causes “lazy bowel” syndrome. Constant forced leaching leads to dysbacteriosis.
Adults are recommended to drink a laxative 10 g twice a day. The drug is taken before or after meals. The powder is dissolved in a glass of water. Unless the doctor prescribes a different dosage, the maximum intake is 20 g per day.
The dosage of Forlax and the duration of treatment depend on the indications for use. The product is used for weight loss. Losing excess weight occurs gradually. The lost kilograms do not return. Negative reviews from people losing weight indicate the occurrence of dysbiosis. Consultation with a doctor on the use of Forlax is required.
Colon cleansing will not be effective if you do not adhere to the correct diet. The body needs help due to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Continuing to load your stomach with junk food, do not expect high-quality cleansing: waste and toxins will continue to accumulate.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The systemic effect of Forlax® is insignificant, so no negative effects on the body of the mother and fetus are expected. Forlax® can be taken during pregnancy.
The systemic effect of macrogol 4000 on the body of nursing women is insignificant, so no negative effect on the body of a newborn/infant is expected. Forlax® can be used during lactation (breastfeeding).
Experimental studies on animals have shown that macrogol 4000 does not have a teratogenic effect.
Indications
The instructions indicate that the main indicator for the use of Forlax is constipation, caused by various factors:
- Changes in the diet of the mother, if the newborn is exclusively breastfed, or the child (introduction of formula, complementary foods or new foods that the baby has not tried before).
- Lack of fluid in the body. This situation can arise in hot weather, when the child drinks little, or in case of rapid loss of fluid in the body against a background of elevated temperature.
- The presence of allergies, which provokes such an unpleasant illness, or helminthiasis.
- If the baby suffers from “psychological” constipation, that is, he is afraid to go to the toilet in a new place, or if there are unfamiliar people.
- Quite often, this symptom also occurs when taking medications, so the remedy can be used for children if there is constipation and the medication cannot be stopped.
- In the postoperative period, when it is necessary to normalize stool.
The use of Forlax can also be indicated as a preparation of the body for various examinations (endoscopy, ultrasound, etc.), the effectiveness of which may be affected by the fullness of the intestines.
It is important for every parent to understand that this laxative relieves only the symptom and does not fight the underlying cause that causes constipation in the baby. Therefore, if such an ailment occurs frequently, you need to consult a doctor, determine the root cause and begin to treat it.
Forlax for colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an examination of the intestines by inserting a probe. The examination reveals polyps, neoplasms, and ulcers. Preparation for the procedure takes two days and involves diet and bowel cleansing.
Preparation
You need to properly prepare for a colonoscopy. The reliability and purity of the procedure is ensured by a completely cleansed intestine. At the first stage of preparation (a week in advance), a slag-free diet is prescribed.
You will need to exclude from your diet raw vegetables and fruits, hard cheeses, full-fat milk, sour cream, bread and confectionery, whole grains, and legumes.
Can be used:
- Lean meat;
- Low-fat yoghurts, kefir;
- Buckwheat;
- Clear broths;
- Steamed vegetables;
- Still mineral water, green tea, fruit drinks.
The diet will prepare the intestines for the procedure, stop gas formation, improve metabolism, and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. If you feel lightness and emptiness in the stomach area, the stool is yellow or light brown, the body is properly prepared. The diagnostic procedure will be successful.
Taking a laxative
The second stage of preparation involves medicinal cleansing. The doctor prescribes a remedy to get rid of feces that are not passed naturally. Forlax showed excellent results for preparation for examination. The procedure time is reduced to 22 minutes. (usually takes up to 45 minutes). The effectiveness of the examination increases.
The drug is prescribed the day before the diagnostic examination. Dissolve 20 g (2 sachets) in 0.5 liters of water. Take in the morning. Repeat in the same amount in the evening.
According to the second method, Forlax is started three days in advance. The dosage is calculated using the formula: liter of prepared solution per 20 kg of patient weight. Drink a glass every half hour. After 4 hours, diarrhea begins. Ends 4 hours after the last dose. The last appointment is 5 hours before the examination. On the day of the procedure, a cleansing enema is performed.
The method is not safe. Use is accompanied by deterioration of health, nausea, and vomiting. Abdominal pain appears. Consult your doctor.
Reviews
Tatyana, 35 years old. My eight-year-old son has a problem with the toilet. We moved to a new area and transferred our son to a new school. The toilet there caused unpleasant emotions. As a result, I couldn’t go home. The pediatrician prescribed Forlax. We drank 2 sachets a day, morning and evening, and talked. After two weeks they stopped taking it. Regular bowel movements have been restored.
Andrey, 48 years old. After a medical examination, I was referred for a colonoscopy. The doctor prescribed taking Forlax according to the regimen before the study. The scheme is individual, I will not give it. The procedure was successful and painless. No sores were found.
Maria, 44 years old. I started a new job, my schedule was tight, the work was interesting, I forgot to eat and drink on time. There was no time to cook. I gave up proper nutrition and ate semi-finished foods. After six months of this schedule, I began to feel unwell, and I wasn’t happy about the extra weight either. The doctor prescribed colon cleansing with Forlax. The method is economical and does not require long preparation. After two weeks I felt real relief. I drank for a month according to the regimen recommended by the doctor. There were no side effects.
Natalya, 24 years old. A friend advised me to cleanse my intestines to lose weight. I reviewed many methods and settled on Forlax. Economical and easy to use. I drank it for 2 months and had to see a doctor. Abdominal pain appeared. The diarrhea did not stop. But she lost weight. Not the way I wanted.
Features of the drug Forlax
Forlax is a laxative in powder for a solution. The main component is Macrogol 4000, which is part of many medicines from a similar group.
After entering the digestive tract, the active substance attracts water molecules, causing:
- Increase in intestinal volume;
- Stimulation of peristalsis.
These processes are responsible for the osmotic effect of the drug and subsequent defecation after use.
The drug is available in powder form. 1 sachet contains 10 g of medicine. To prepare 1 dose of the drug, you need to dissolve 10 g of powder in 250 ml of boiled warm water. The finished solution has a whitish tint and a salty taste. The presence of a flavor makes the drug easier to accept.
The drug ideally cleanses the cavities of the sigmoid, colon and rectum.
According to some clinical data, successful colonoscopy during cleansing with Forlax is achieved in 80% of cases, and the manipulation time is reduced to 20-25 minutes instead of 30-50.
How to use Forlax before colonoscopy - optimal dosage and regimen
Before cleansing the intestines, adult patients need to dilute 1 sachet of the drug in 250 ml of boiled water. A dose of 500 ml of water and 2 sachets is considered effective. Sometimes clinicians recommend increasing the dose to 3-4 sachets per day.
The prepared solution can be drunk immediately or in small sips over an hour. You can immediately combine two doses at one time.
We have already written about how a colonoscopy is performed on a child and how to properly prepare him for the procedure. As for Forlax, there is no fundamental difference in the dosage and regimen of use in children and adults. Frequent use of the drug is not recommended for children due to impaired intestinal motility in the future. The optimal age for children is 8-10 years.
Morning manipulation
If an intestinal colonoscopy is scheduled for the morning, then on the previous day, drink 1 dose of the drug in the morning, a second dose at lunchtime, and the last third dose in the evening before bedtime. The first two doses can be increased to 2 sachets.
In the morning the patient is completely ready for manipulation. To achieve maximum effect, you can cleanse with Microlax.
Evening manipulation
If the manipulation is scheduled for the afternoon or evening, then take one dose at lunchtime the previous day, a second dose in the evening, and a third dose in the morning before the manipulation.
It is important that the last dose of the drug is no later than 4 hours before the expected diagnostic procedure. In some cases, the scheme can be abruptly changed to a three-day training.
Remember that the prescription of a cleansing regimen before colonoscopy with Forlax is determined only by a doctor based on multiple diagnostic criteria.
Video about treating constipation in children
When a child experiences constipation, most parents run not to the doctor, but to the pharmacy, so it is important to know which medications are safe, effective and approved for treating babies. And this video can help with this, so we recommend that you familiarize yourself with it.
What helps your child cope with constipation? What drugs were most effective in your case, and did you have to use Forlax? Leave your feedback and advice in the comments, because this information may be useful to others. We will also be glad if you leave your feedback on this article.
Features of food and drink
Before cleansing with Forlax, the same diet and drinking regimen is prescribed as when using other cleansers (Fortrans, Lavacol, etc.).
As dietary therapy, the following rules are followed:
Following a slag-free diet - excluding coarse fiber, aggressive foods, fresh vegetables and fruits;
Abundant drinking regimen - kefir, green tea, rosehip decoction, clean water, dried fruit compote without sugar are recommended;
On the eve of the manipulation, complete fasting or vegetable broths, jelly, biscuits, and crackers are recommended.
Drinking plenty of fluids between taking Forlax is necessary to prevent metabolic disorders and electrolyte imbalance.
It is important to discuss drinking plenty of fluids with your doctor. If you have kidney or heart failure, this factor can negatively affect your health.
Patients with diabetes mellitus and insulin replacement therapy are recommended to consult an endocrinologist to determine their diet during preparation for fibrocolonoscopy.
special instructions
Before starting therapy, organic gastrointestinal diseases should be excluded.
Treatment of constipation with medications is recommended only as an addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet, for example: increasing fluid and fiber intake; adequate physical activity, which helps restore gastrointestinal motility.
If diarrhea develops, extreme caution should be taken in patients predisposed to fluid and electrolyte imbalances (for example, patients with impaired liver or kidney function, or patients receiving diuretics); in such cases, it is necessary to monitor the electrolyte content.
There have been reports of cases of aspiration when large volumes of polyethylene glycol with electrolytes are administered through a nasogastric tube. Children with neurological disorders involving swallowing problems are at risk for aspiration.
Very rare cases of hypersensitivity (including rash, hives, swelling) have been reported when taking drugs containing macrogol (polyethylene glycol). In exceptional cases, anaphylactic shock has been observed.
Forlax contains sorbitol, so the drug should not be used in patients with congenital fructose intolerance.
Forlax does not contain a large amount of sugar or polyol, so the drug can be prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as to patients whose diet excludes galactose.
Signs of overdose
If the dose of medication is accidentally exceeded, the following deviations in the body are observed:
- frequent and loose stools;
- Possible premature excretion of feces (incontinence);
- dehydration and water-salt imbalance (accompanied by increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure).
You must immediately use activated carbon or Polysorb. Also increase fluid intake to prevent severe dehydration. To normalize the children’s condition, examination and assistance from medical staff is recommended.
Contraindications and side effects
The use of the laxative Forlax is contraindicated in:
- Inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Detecting Crohn's disease;
- Intestinal obstruction;
- Pathologies of the structure of internal organs;
- Pain of unknown origin;
- Individual intolerance to components;
- Diseases of the urinary system;
- Liver diseases.
A gynecologist should assess the safety of the drug for pregnant women. When the receptors of the large intestine are stimulated, a strong contraction of the walls occurs. The uterus located close may be damaged.
Fructose contained in Forlax causes allergic reactions. A rash appears, the skin turns red, and swelling occurs. When you stop taking it, the symptoms go away.
Improper use of the drug causes side effects. Excessive gas formation occurs, nausea occurs, and vomiting begins. Long-term use provokes dysbiosis, beneficial substances are washed out, and dehydration occurs. Skin irritation appears in the anus.
Illiterate use is harmful to the body.
Interaction
Forlax for bowel cleansing (reviews do not contain reliable information about the interaction of the medication with additional drugs) cannot be taken together with other laxative medications. The likelihood of side effects from both drugs increases, including dehydration and severe stool loosening.
The drug should not be taken together with diuretics, as severe dehydration of the body occurs. It is recommended to maintain an interval of at least 2 hours between taking Forlax and other medications. Otherwise, the effect of the 2nd remedy is reduced. Concomitant use of antidiarrheals reduces the effectiveness of both medications.
