Regulax

Pharmacological properties

Regulax contains a mixture of senna fruits and leaves. Senna belongs to the group of stimulant laxatives containing anthranoids. Derivatives of 1,8-dihydroxyanthracene possess a laxative property. the effect of sennosides, or rather their active metabolite, the reinantron, on the large intestine is based on its effect on the mobility of the colon: inhibition of stationary and stimulation of propulsive contractions. as a result, accelerated passage of food masses through the intestinal tract is achieved and, as a result, a reduction in the time of contacting the chyme with the intestinal wall, the liquid resorption is reduced. in addition, also due to the stimulation of active chloride secretion, water and electrolytes are released.

There are no systematic studies of the kinetics of the drug.

Glycoside-bound sennosides (cassiotides) are prodrugs that do not break down and are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. With the help of bacterial enzymes, they are broken down in the large intestine to a reanthron. Reinantron is a metabolite with a laxative property. The systemic availability of the reanthron is very low. In animal experiments with urine, less than 5% was excreted in the form of oxidized, partially conjugated derivatives of rhein and sennosides. Most of the reinantron (more than 90%) is found in the feces, where it binds to the contents of the intestine and is excreted in the form of polymer compounds. A small amount of active metabolites such as rhein passes into breast milk. Laxative effects in infants who were breast-fed were not observed. The penetration of rhein through the placenta in animal experiments was minimal.

Indications

For short-term use with constipation.

Application

Adults and children over the age of 12 years are recommended to take 1 Regulax cube 1 time per day.

The maximum daily dose is 1 cube.

Regulax is best taken in the evening before bedtime. Cubes should be chewed carefully. The laxative effect occurs after about 8 hours. The minimum effective dose should be taken to obtain a soft stool.

Regulax is intended for short-term use.

Laxatives should not be taken without a doctors recommendation for more than 1 week.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or other components of the drug; intestinal obstruction (ileus); spastic constipation; gastrointestinal bleeding; acute inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis); pain in the abdomen of unknown origin; nausea; vomiting severe degree of dehydration, accompanied by loss of water and electrolytes. age up to 12 years. During pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects

On the part of the cardiovascular system: loss of potassium can lead to impaired cardiac activity, especially when taken with cardiac glycosides, diuretics and corticosteroids.

From the gastrointestinal tract: in isolated cases, complaints of spastic abdominal pain, diarrhea are possible, in these cases it is necessary to reduce the dose of the drug.

With prolonged use / abuse of laxatives, it is possible to accumulate pigments in the intestinal mucosa (pseudomelanosis), which, as a rule, disappear after stopping the drug.

From the genitourinary system: with prolonged use / abuse of laxatives, proteinuria and hematuria may occur. Depending on the pH, staining of urine with metabolites in yellowish or red-brown color is possible, which does not have clinical significance.

From the musculoskeletal system: loss of potassium can lead to myasthenia gravis, especially when taken with cardiac glycosides, diuretics and corticosteroids.

From the side of metabolism, metabolism: prolonged use / abuse of laxatives can lead to the loss of electrolytes, mainly to a deficiency of potassium.

On the part of the immune system: itching, urticaria, local or generalized exanthema can be noted.

special instructions

Regulax should be used only if, with a change in diet or with drugs that increase the volume of intestinal contents, it is not possible to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Patients taking cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmic drugs, drugs that increase the Q-T interval, diuretics, corticosteroids or licorice-based drugs should consult a doctor before using Regulax.

Before using the drug, it is necessary to establish the cause of constipation or acute and prolonged symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract (abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting), since these symptoms can be signs of a beginning or existing bowel obstruction.

With daily use of laxatives, it is necessary to undergo an examination to establish the cause of constipation.

Long-term use of the drug should be avoided, since long-term use of laxatives that stimulate intestinal motility can lead to increased intestinal atony.

Adults with fecal incontinence (incontinence) while taking Regulax should avoid prolonged contact with feces by changing pads (wipes).

The drug contains sugar syrup, so patients with diabetes should not use the drug.

The drug contains sorbitol, so patients with rare hereditary fructose intolerance should not take Regulax.

Use during pregnancy and lactation. Contraindicated.

Children. Contraindicated under the age of 12 years.

The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms. Does not affect.

Interactions

With prolonged use / abuse due to potassium deficiency, an increase in the action of cardiac glycosides is possible, as well as a change in the action of antiarrhythmic drugs and drugs that increase the q – t interval. potassium loss may increase with combinations with thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids and licorice root preparations.

It is also necessary to consider drugs that have been taken recently.

Overdose

Symptoms the clinical manifestation of an overdose of laxatives is, first of all, diarrhea, which can be accompanied in some cases by severe irritation of the intestine, significant loss of water and electrolytes, vascular collapse and metabolic acidosis.

Treatment. Symptomatic, rehydration therapy should be performed.

Storage conditions

At a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. do not freeze.