Dr. Suhas Bhargav MBBS , General Physician

Self-medicating and then discontinuing Swiftolac as per one's own will can have detrimental effects on one's health as there are chances of a relapse. It is thus recommended that one takes Swiftolac as prescribed by the doctor and continues with the treatment as per the recommendations. 

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

Yes, Swiftolac 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. Suhas Bhargav MBBS , General Physician

Swiftolac is available in the form of liquid to be taken orally. For the management of constipation, it is usually, taken once a day and for the management of a liver disease, it is usually taken 3 to 4 times a day. It is important to take the quantity exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Taking higher or the lower dose may have an adverse effect, therefore, one should always be compliant with the prescription label or doctor's recommendation.

Dr. Uday Nath Sahoo MBBS , Internal Medicine

Constipation: Swiftolac 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. Swiftolac pulls ammonia from the bloodstream and helps in discharging it via the stool, thus preventing brain damage.

Dr. Piyush Malav MBBS, MS , General Surgery

You might have to take Swiftolac 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 Swiftolac for as long as it is prescribed your doctor.