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What is Gatinar and when is it used?

Gatinar is used in all forms of constipation, especially

-after operations;

-during pregnancy and lactation (after consultation with the doctor);

-bedridden;

-used to treat chronic constipation.

The active ingredient in Gatinar - lactulose - is an artificial sugar that cannot be broken down by the human small intestine. It therefore reaches the large intestine unchanged, where it serves as a nutrient for the naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria. This produces acidic breakdown products, mainly lactic acid, which cause the large intestine to become slightly acidic. The putrefactive bacteria are inhibited in their growth and the restoration of the normal intestinal flora is promoted. At the same time, Gatinar and its degradation products have a hydrophilic (osmotic) effect. This will soften the stool and make it easier to empty. Gatinar allows for a natural correction of bowel movements without the risk of habituation or painful irritation. It can also be taken by pregnant women, breastfeeding women and diabetics in the indicated dosages and only after consulting a doctor (see also information below). A few hours after taking Gatinar, infants have soft stools. In adults, the conversion of the intestinal flora takes about 1-2 days.

What should be considered?

If you suffer from chronic constipation, we recommend that you see your doctor. If you are constipated, you should, if possible, eat high-fiber food (vegetables, fruit, wholemeal bread) and drink plenty of fluids regularly and pay attention to physical activity (sport).

Note for diabetics: This medicinal product contains 1.8 g of digestible carbohydrates per single dose (10 ml).

When should Gatinar not be taken?

The preparation should not be taken in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Gatinar should not be taken in the case of milk sugar intolerance (lactose intolerance) or a congenital metabolic disease in the infant (galactosemia).

When should you be careful when taking Gatinar?

Like any laxative, Gatinar can reduce the loss of potassium caused by other medicines (e.g. certain diuretics, corticosteroids, etc.). become, strengthen. This is of particular importance in patients treated with drugs that affect the heart (cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics). They should therefore only use Gatinar under strict doctor's instructions.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you suffer from other illnesses, have allergies or are taking other medicines (even those you bought yourself!) or using them externally!

Can Gatinar be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Based on previous experience, there is no known risk for the child when used as directed. However, systematic scientific investigations have never been carried out. As a precaution, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How do you use Gatinar?

It is strongly recommended to start with the low starting dose. Too high an initial dose could lead to increased gas formation and flatulence, as the bacterial metabolism is temporarily stimulated by restoring the normal intestinal flora. This can be avoided by gradually increasing the daily dose to the individual optimal amount. The rebalancing of the intestinal flora makes it possible to reduce the specified dose after 3-4 days, even in cases of chronic constipation. It is also possible to alternate one or more drug-free days over time. If the constipation lasts only a short time, the drug is of course discontinued after the stool has returned to normal.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Gatinar have?

The following side effects can occur when taking Gatinar:

In rare cases, especially at the beginning of treatment, the preparation can cause flatulence or abdominal cramps. With high doses, prolonged or too frequent use, diarrhea with loss of water and disturbances in the mineral balance (e.g. loss of potassium) can occur.

If you notice side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What else needs to be considered?

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked «EXP» on the container.

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

Gatinar should be kept out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

What does Gatinar contain?

100 ml of Gatinarcontain 67 g of lactulose.

Note for diabetics: 10 ml of Gatinar correspond to 0.18 bread units. See the section «What should be considered?».

Approval number

37585 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get Gatinar? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores, without a doctor's prescription.

Bottles of 200 ml and 500 ml.

Authorization holder

Melisana AG, 8004 Zurich.

This leaflet was last checked by the drug authority (Swissmedic) in June 2013 .