AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds

AGIOLAX ® is a drug based on concentrated senna extracts and ispaghula seeds.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Laxatives - Contact laxative (stimulant) + mass forming laxative

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds

AGIOLAX ® is indicated for the short-term symptomatic treatment of occasional constipation.

Action mechanism AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds

The laxative action of AGIOLAX ® is due to the presence of various active ingredients, with complementary biological functions, able to optimize the activity of the drug. More precisely, the ispaghula seeds act as mass-forming laxatives, reaching unchanged the intestinal lumen where they retain water thanks to the important hydrophilic properties, and significantly increase the fecal content; the concentrate of anthraquinone glycosides extracted from the senna, instead, once metabolized by the bacterial flora of the colon, exerts a direct action on the intestinal mucosa, increasing the normal peristalsis and facilitating the defecatory act.

The dual action, both mass forming and stimulating, optimizes the laxative action of AGIOLAX ®

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. laxative

Although the use of laxatives is particularly frequent and widespread, both with and without medical supervision, only some of the various active ingredients commonly used are supported by scientific evidence. Among these, the seeds of ispaghula certainly represent one of the most characterized "phytotherapeutic" compounds, both for the potential therapeutic effects and for the collateral ones.

2. THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE LAXIVES

Although most of the laxatives currently on the market are characterized by a good safety profile, the careful examination of the scientific literature is littered with case-reports that show side effects that are generally not counted among the most common. Classic examples are represented by the seeds of the psyllium, for which the presence of even severe allergic reactions, and of the senna derivatives, associated with histological and functional alterations of the intestinal mucosa (see melanosis of the colon) are described. These effects, often realized following the chronic administration of these products, must necessarily be clarified through specific clinical trials.

3. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINED THERAPY

Studies have shown that combined ispaghula and senna therapy may be more effective in the treatment of constipation than monotherapy. In fact, the combined therapy guaranteed a resolution of the constipation episodes in 63% of the treated patients, while the monotherapy proved to be effective only in 48% of the cases.

Method of use and dosage

AGIOLAX ® granulate containing 54.2 grams of ispaghula seeds and 6.74-13.15 g of senna fruits every 100 grams of product; 5 g sachets containing 2.71 g of plantain seeds and 0.33 -0.65 grams of senna fruits: the recommended dose is one or two sachets (one or two teaspoons, for the jar shape) before breakfast and after dinner.

The contents should be placed on the tongue and swallowed with a large glass of water.

To optimize the laxative effectiveness of AGIOLAX ® it is recommended to take it in the context of a diet rich in liquids.

It is important to start the treatment with the minimum possible doses, and eventually increase the dosage of AGIOLAX ® until the desired effect is obtained.

Warnings AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds

The use of AGIOLAX ® should be used only in the case of occasional constipation, given the need for a therapeutic protocol in the event of chronic constipation, and for periods of time not exceeding 7 days, given the potential side effects described following the administration continuation of these medicines.

Although the drug can be sold without a prescription, especially for elderly patients or in the presence of various pathologies, medical supervision would be necessary.

AGIOLAX ® contains sucrose, therefore its use should be particularly careful in patients suffering from diabetes.

During the administration of AGIOLAX ® it is important to increase the dietary intake of liquids, both in order to increase the laxative effect of the medicine, and to avoid obstructions and intestinal blockages.

AGIOLAX ® does not alter the normal ability to drive vehicles and use machinery.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

There are currently no clinical trials and scientific studies demonstrating the effects on the health of the fetus related to the intake of AGIOLAX ® during the period of pregnancy and lactation. In the light of these data the drug should be used only and exclusively in case of real need and under strict medical supervision.

Of course AGIOLAX ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to one of its components.

Interactions

The reduction in the speed of intestinal transit induced by laxatives could determine a reduction in the absorption of the active ingredients taken simultaneously, and a decrease in their biological efficacy. Therefore, the intake of AGIOLAX ® should not take place more than two hours after the previous oral medication.

The abuse of laxatives, accompanied by a reduction in plasma potassium concentrations, could enhance the side effects of other drugs active on the cardiovascular system, such as digitalis.

Contraindications AGIOLAX ® Senna fruits + Ispaghula seeds

AGIOLAX ® should not be taken in cases of gastro-intestinal tract disorders, both acute and chronic, in the event of stenosis, obstruction and intestinal atony and hypersensitivity towards one of its components.

AGIOLAX ® is also contraindicated in children under the age of 10 years.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The adverse reactions described following the use of AGIOLAX ® are associated in part with the relaxing effect on the intestinal wall induced by the ispaghula seeds, and partly by the sennosoids, with the appearance of abdominal and colic cramps.

Prolonged laxative intake may be responsible for diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia, intestinal atony and chronic constipation.