NORMALAX Oral Drops

Description

PROPERTIES:
Normalx contains a synthetic laxative, sodium picosulphate, which is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine to the active substance, bis (p-hydroxyphenyl) pyridyl-2-methane. A predictable evacuation of soft formed stool occurs usually 10-14 hours after administration.

PHARMACOKINETICS:
Sodium picosulfate is metabolised by colonic bacteria to the active compound bis (p-hydroxyphenyl) pyridyl-2-methane.

INDICATIONS:
 Constipation, either recent or chronic whenever a stimulant laxative is required.
 Bowel clearance before surgery, labour or radiological investigations.
 Normalax is suitable for routine use in both adults and children.

USAGE & ADMINISTRATION:
Adults and children over 10 years: 15-20 drops daily.
Children 4-10 years: 7-12 drops daily on medical advise only.
Not to be used in children under 4 years.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Normalax should not be given to patients with hypersensitivity to picosulphate or undiagnosed abdominal pain or where intestinal obstruction is suspected.

SIDE EFFECTS:
 As with most laxatives, mild abdominal discomfort may occasionally occur.
 Abdominal cramp.
 Excessive use of NORMALAX can cause diarrhea and related effect such as hypokalemia.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
 As a purgative, NORMALAX increases gastrointestinal transit rate. Absorption of other orally administered medicines may therefore be modified during the treatment period.
 The efficacy of NORMALAX is lowered by bulk-forming laxatives.
 Care should be taken with patients already recieving drugs associated with hypokalaemia such as diuretics or corticosteroids or drugs where hypokalaemia is a particular risk.

PREGNANCY & LACTATION:
 If dietary and life style changes fail to control constipation in pregnancy, moderate doses of poorly absorbed laxatives may be used. A bulk forming laxative should be tried first, an osmatic laxative can also be used. If other laxatives fail, stimulant laxatives may be suitable.
 NORMALAX is not excreted in breast milk but it is advised to avoid using it.

PRECAUTIONS & WARNING:
 Laxative should not be given to patients being prepared for barium enema examinations where inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis is suspected.
 Since Normalax is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, it is possible that in patients taken broad spectrum antibiotics there may be some loss of laxative action.

PACKAGE:
Plastic dropper bottle containing 15 ml.

STORAGE:
Keep at a temperature not exceeding 30C.
Keep out of reach of children.