Dr Anjum Mujawar MBBS, MBBS , Emergency Medicine

Older people frequently suffer from constipation. The osmotic laxatives like Laxitose find a place in their therapy, however, some of the side effects associated with these agents are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and flatulence. These side effects are present because Laxitose is converted to carboxylic acids like acetic acid, lactic acid and formic acid by the intestinal bacteria. Further, the patients may also develop a disliking to the sweet taste of the Laxitose. 

Dr. Piyush Malav MBBS, MS , General Surgery

You might have to take Laxitose for as long as constipation or hepatic encephalopathy lasts. For constipation, your doctor might prescribe it for a week. For hepatic encephalopathy, your doctor might prescribe it for several months. It is extremely important that you take Laxitose for as long as it is prescribed your doctor. 

Dr. Braj Bhushan Ojha BAMS , Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Ayurveda, Sexology, Diabetology

Yes, Laxitose can be used in children. Constipation is one of the highly prevalent problems in childhood. In children above 6 months of age, dietary modifications are recommended for the prevention and management of constipation, however, if there is no respite, osmotic laxatives such as lactulose have been found to be effective.

Dr. Uday Nath Sahoo MBBS , Internal Medicine

Constipation: Laxitose is non-digestible in human beings because of which, it passes as it is into the large intestine. The resident bacteria in the intestine act on it to convert it into lactic acid, acetic acid, and formic acid, drawing fluid into the stool and thus softening it. This makes it easier to pass the stool, and thus helps in relieving constipation.

Hepatic encephalopathy: In the event of liver failure, ammonia detoxification is difficult. If the level of ammonia in the bloodstream increases, it can reach the brain and damage it. Thus it is important to get rid of the excess ammonia. Laxitose pulls ammonia from the bloodstream and helps in discharging it via the stool, thus preventing brain damage.

Dr. Mayank Yadav MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Laxitose can be used for the prevention of stroke. It gets fermented in the intestine and in the process, a large amount of hydrogen is produced which acts as an anti-oxidant and thus, prevents stroke. However, a large number of studies is still required to validate the association.