lactitol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

lactitol works as a bulk-forming laxative, which means it gives the stool more bulk and encourages regular bowel movements. It travels to the large intestine largely undamaged since it is neither digested nor absorbed in the small intestine. Bacteria ferment lactitol in the large intestine, producing gases and acids in the process.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined  

1-10%  

Elevated creatinine kinase (1%) 

Urinary tract infection (5%) 

Diarrhea (4%)  

Increased blood creatinine phosphokinase (4%) 

Abdominal pain (3%) 

Increased blood pressure (3%) 

Flatulence (8%)  

Severe diarrhea (1%) 

Upper respiratory tract infection (9%) 

Abdominal distension (3%) 

Post marketing Reports 

Hypersensitivity reactions 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• lactitol should not be used by individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to lactitol or other sugar alcohols.  

Caution: 

• Use lactitol with caution if you have an inflammatory bowel illness, irritable bowel syndrome, or another condition that makes you susceptible to changes in bowel habits.  
• Individuals with diabetes should continue to check their blood sugar levels while ingesting lactitol because it may have a small effect in certain people.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

In the small intestine, lactitol is not absorbed and moves relatively undamaged to the large intestine. Short-chain fatty acids and gases are created when lactitol is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine.  

By drawing water into the colon, this osmotic action aids in encouraging bowel motions by softening the stool. 

Pharmacodynamics 

lactitol’s osmotic effect pulls water into the colon, raising the water content of the stool.  

It helps in promoting regular bowel motions by making the stool waterier and bulkier. It encourages peristalsis, the intestines’ wavelike muscle contractions, which aid in moving the softer stool through the colon. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

In the small intestine, lactitol absorbs very slowly. It absorbs very little and mostly makes it to the colon undamaged.  

Distribution 

Due to its primary location in the gastrointestinal system, lactitol does not considerably circulate throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

In the body, lactitol is not substantially metabolized. Instead, it is primarily fermented by intestinal bacteria for metabolism. 

Elimination and excretion 

lactitol and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the feces. Since lactitol is not significantly absorbed, most of the dose is eliminated unchanged in the stool. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

lactitol may be available in liquid form as an oral solution. It can also be available in powder form.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: lactitol 

Why do we use lactitol? 

lactitol is frequently used as an osmotic laxative to treat and relieve constipation. It stimulates bowel motions by luring water into the colon, softening the stool, and softening the stool. lactitol is also used as a sugar substitute in food products. To add sweetness and flavour to a low-calorie or low-sugar diet, lactitol can be used.