(1) Lactulose (Chronulac). Lactulose is available in syrup form with 10
grams of lactulose per tablespoonful. The usual adult dose of this product is from one
to two tablespoonful a day. This product should be protected from freezing. The
prolonged exposure of this product to high temperatures may produce a darkening of
the product; however, the darkening does not decrease the therapeutic effectiveness of
the active ingredient. When you dispense this product, you should tell the patient that
the dose may be combined with water, milk, or fruit juice to improve the taste.
Lactulose produces results in one to two days.
(2) Magnesium citrate (citrate of magnesia). This product is available in the
form of an effervescent solution. The usual oral dose of this product is 200 milliliters of
the solution. The solution may lose some of its effervescence upon standing, but this
does not reduce its therapeutic effectiveness (although it does affect the taste of the
product).
(3) Magnesium sulfate crystals (epsom salts). This product is supplied in
crystal form which is to be dissolved in water before taking. The usual adult dose of the
product is 15 grams in a glass of water (8 fluid ounces = 240 milliliters) as one dose.
The crystals may be placed in a lemon-lime carbonated beverage in order to improve
the taste.
(4) Sodium phosphate (Fleets Phospho-Soda). Sodium phosphate is
available in the form of effervescent sodium phosphate powder and sodium phosphate
oral solution. The powder should be dissolved in one full glass of water and then
ingested (adult dose--10 to 20 grams per glass of water). The usual adult dose of the
oral solution is 10 to 40 milliliters (as one dose) mixed in a glass of water (240
milliliters). You should note that sodium phosphate contains large amounts of sodium.
This information is important for persons who must restrict their intake of sodium.
MD0807
4-9
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