Lactitol (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 18, 2021.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Pizensy
Uses for lactitol
Lactitol is used to treat chronic idiopathic (unknown cause) constipation (CIC). It works by increasing peristalsis (contractions) in the colon, leading to an increase in the number of bowel movements.
Lactitol is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using lactitol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lactitol, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lactitol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of lactitol in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lactitol in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of lactitol. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Galactosemia (rare metabolic disorder) or
- Stomach or bowel blockage—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Proper use of lactitol
Take lactitol exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Take lactitol with food.
If you are using the multi-dose bottle:
- Measure the dose by using the bottle top or measuring cap that is marked to 10 grams of powder when filled to the top of white section in the cap marked by the arrow.
- Pour the measured dose into an empty 8-ounce glass.
- Add 4 ounces to 8 ounces of water, juice, or any kind of drink (eg, c...
