INTRODUCTION

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION contains Lactulose which belongs to the group of medicines called Laxatives. It is used to treat constipation (infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stools) and hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function due to liver disease that causes symptoms like confusion, tremor and decreased level of consciousness, also it can lead to hepatic coma.

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION is not recommended for use in patients with serious genetic disorder where you cannot digest galactose (galactosaemia), acute inflammatory bowel disease, blockage in bowels (apart from normal constipation), gastro-intestinal perforation or risk of perforation or stomach pain due to unknown cause.  During treatment with EMTY ORAL SOLUTION, you should drink enough fluids (about 6 - 8 glasses).

Before taking EMTY ORAL SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are lactose intolerant or have diabetes or roemheld syndrome. EMTY ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if clearly advised by the doctor. EMTY ORAL SOLUTION is usually not recommended for use in infants and smaller children but your child’s doctor may prescribe in certain circumstances.

It should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above) and your doctor may check your blood electrolytes when this medicine is taken for more than 6 months period or patients with bad general condition. The most common side effects of taking EMTY ORAL SOLUTION are flatulence, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF EMTY ORAL SOLUTION

Treats:

• constipation
• hepatic encephalopathy

HOW EMTY ORAL SOLUTION WORKS

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION works by making the stool softer and easier to pass, by drawing more water into the bowel. It also reduces the amount of ammonia in the blood by removing the toxin from the bloodstream which helps to improve cognitive functions.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take EMTY ORAL SOLUTION as advised by your physician. Shake well before use. Use a measuring cup or spoon and swallow the medicine immediately, do not keep it in your mouth for long. You can mix this medicine with fruit juice or water. It is recommended that you drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses). Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you according to your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF EMTY ORAL SOLUTION

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Bloating

Eat smaller and frequent meals and exercise regularly (like walking). Limit the intake of carbonated drinks. Avoid eating foods such as beans, lentils. If the symptom does not show improvement, consult your doctor. 

Diarrhea

Drink lot of fluids such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods. Do not take any medicine on your own to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor. 

Nausea And Vomiting

Take EMTY ORAL SOLUTION with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Stomach Pain

Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to eat smaller meals more frequently. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the stomach pain does not improve, consult your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

Monitoring required

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in pregnant women only if considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it. 

BREASTFEEDING

Monitoring required

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in breastfeeding women only if considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it. 

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Use with Caution

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION will not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

ALLERGY

Contraindicated

Do not take EMTY ORAL SOLUTION if you are allergic to Lactulose or any other ingredients of this medicine.

USE IN PEDIATRICS

Use with Caution

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in infant, baby or child (under 1 year of age to 18 years of age) only under the supervision of your doctor to treat constipation. Your child’s doctor may adjust the dose depending upon age. Consult child’s doctor for advice before administering EMTY ORAL SOLUTION to your child.

USE IN GERIATRICS

Use with Caution

EMTY ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Your doctor may check your blood electrolytes when this medicine is taken for more than 6 months period. Consult your doctor before taking EMTY ORAL SOLUTION

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking EMTY ORAL SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• medicines used to treat fluid retention (Ex. chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide)
• medicines used to treat inflammatory conditions (Ex. hydrocortisone, prednisolone)
• amphotericin B (used to treat serious fungal infections)
• medicines used to treat heart insufficiency (Ex. digitalis, digoxin)
• 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) such as mesalamine (used to treat inflammatory bowel disease such as crohn’s disease)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of EMTY ORAL SOLUTION, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdosage symptoms of EMTY ORAL SOLUTION are diarrhea, loss of electrolytes and abdominal pain.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep EMTY ORAL SOLUTION out of reach of children
• Store at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT EMTY ORAL SOLUTION

Q: Can EMTY ORAL SOLUTION be given to infants?

A: EMTY ORAL SOLUTION is usually not recommended for use in infants and smaller children as it can disturb the normal reflexes for passing stools. Your child’s doctor will decide the correct dose or select a suitable alternative treatment for your child. In special situation, your doctor may prescribe it for your baby, where they will supervise the treatment closely.

Q: Can EMTY ORAL SOLUTION cause diarrhea?

A: EMTY ORAL SOLUTION may cause diarrhea when you take higher than recommended dose of it. In such case, drink lot of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own to treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor. If diarrhea does not improve, consult your doctor immediately.

Q: Can EMTY ORAL SOLUTION be used during pregnancy?

A: EMTY ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in pregnant women only if clearly advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking EMTY ORAL SOLUTION if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Q: What if I forget to take a dose of EMTY ORAL SOLUTION?

A: If you forget to take a dose of EMTY ORAL SOLUTION, take it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take EMTY ORAL SOLUTION twice to make up for the forgotten dose.

Q: Can I stop taking EMTY ORAL SOLUTION on my own?

A: Continue taking EMTY ORAL SOLUTION until your doctor tells you to stop, unless you experience any unwanted effects, worsening of your condition or any new symptoms. In such case, contact your doctor right away. If you stopped taking it suddenly, the expected benefit of the treatment may not be achieved.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs for Constipation and Diarrhea. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 676.

2. Wesselius-De Casparis, A., Braadbaart, S., Bergh-Bohlken, G. E., and Mimica, M. Treatment of chronic constipation with lactulose syrup: results of a double-blind study. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. PubMed Central. February 1968. [Accessed on 20th July 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1552607/pdf/gut00703-0098.pdf

3. Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India. To Compare Efficacy and Safety of Lactulose Versus Polyethylene Glycol for Treatment of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhotics. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised in February 2018] [Accessed on 20th July 2022] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03448770

4. Abbott Biologicals B.V. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in April 2022] [Accessed on 20th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5525.pdf

5. Braintree Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in February 2020] [Accessed on 20th July 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/211281s000lbl.pdf

6. Fresenius Kabi Austria GmbH. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 20th July 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/34c1e172-9c2b-4d3e-a53d-e021122ee5f9.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• MRI defecography
• CT scan
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Dr. R. Dinesh John Rajkumar, Pharm.D
Last updated on 20 Mar 2023 | 08:45 AM(IST)