Evict syrup is generally well-tolerated and does not cause significant side effects when taken as directed. Some experience minor side effects like:
- Flatulence
- Abdominal Discomfort
- Belching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience the above-mentioned symptoms.
How To Manage Side Effects
Flatulence: Flatulence or excessive gas is a common side effect of this lactulose syrup. It occurs due to lactulose fermentation in the colon, which produces gas. To manage flatulence, you can try reducing your intake of gas-forming foods such as beans, cabbage, and onions. You may also find relief by taking over-the-counter anti-gas medications that contain simethicone.
Abdominal discomfort: Abdominal discomfort or bloating is another common side effect of this syrup. Try taking the medication with food or reducing your dose to manage this. Drinking plenty of water can also help to relieve abdominal discomfort.
Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain can be a sign of a more serious side effect of Evict syrup, such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. If you experience severe abdominal pain, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
Belching: Belching or burping is a common side effect. Try taking the medication with food or reducing your dose to manage this. You can also drink ginger tea or take over-the-counter antacids containing aluminium and magnesium hydroxide.
Nausea: Nausea is another common side effect of the Evict syrup. Try taking the medication with food or reducing your dose to manage this. Drinking ginger tea or taking over-the-counter anti-nausea medications such as dimenhydrinate may also help to relieve nausea.
Vomiting: Vomiting is a rare but serious side effect. If you experience vomiting, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea is a common side effect of lactulose syrup. Try reducing your dose or taking the medication with food to manage this. You can also try taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help to prevent dehydration due to diarrhoea.
Precautions
Pregnancy
This medication is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Evict syrup is excreted in breast milk, but it is not known to harm nursing infants. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking any breastfeeding medication.
Alcohol
The Evict syrup may interact with alcohol, increasing the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking lactulose syrup.
Liver
The Evict syrup is commonly used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, which affects liver function. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking lactulose syrup if you have liver disease.
Kidney
It is not known to be harmful to the kidneys. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking lactulose syrup if you have kidney disease.
Using machine and driving
The syrup is not known to affect the ability to operate machinery or drive. However, suppose you experience side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. In that case, avoiding activities that require mental alertness is recommended until you know how the medication affects you.
Allergy
If you are allergic to lactulose or any other ingredients in the medication, you should not take Evict syrup.
Use in children
In special circumstances, your doctor may prescribe this medicine for a child, infant or baby. Your doctor will supervise the treatment carefully. This medicine should only be given to infants and smaller children only if necessary, as it can influence the reflexes for passing stools.
Use in older patients
Older patients commonly use this medication to treat constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. However, they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the medication, and a healthcare provider should determine the dosage and frequency of use.
Interaction
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Antacids: Taking antacids with lactulose syrup may decrease the effectiveness of lactulose. Taking antacids at least 2 hours before or after taking lactulose syrup is recommended.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may decrease lactulose syrup's effectiveness by altering the gut's bacterial flora. It is recommended to separate the doses of antibiotics and lactulose syrup by at least 2 hours.
- Electrolyte supplements: Lactulose syrup may cause electrolyte imbalances in some patients, especially those with liver disease. Taking electrolyte supplements may increase the risk of these imbalances.
Drug-Food Interactions
- Dairy products: Dairy products may decrease the effectiveness of lactulose syrup by reducing its absorption. Taking lactulose syrup at least 2 hours before or after consuming dairy products is recommended.
- High-fibre foods: High-fiber foods may increase the effectiveness of lactulose syrup by promoting bowel movements. However, consuming excessive amounts of high-fibre foods may cause bloating and gas.
Drug-Disease Interactions
- Diabetes: Lactulose syrup may increase blood glucose levels in some patients, especially those with uncontrolled diabetes. It is recommended to monitor blood glucose levels regularly while taking lactulose syrup.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Lactulose syrup may cause electrolyte imbalances in some patients, especially those with liver disease. It is recommended to monitor electrolyte levels regularly while taking lactulose syrup.
- Gastrointestinal obstruction: It may worsen gastrointestinal obstruction by increasing the amount of gas in the intestines. It is not recommended to take lactulose syrup if you have a known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): This syrup contains phenylalanine, which can harm patients with PKU. It is recommended to avoid lactulose syrup if you have PKU.