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Pizensy

lactitol
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation

Pizensy (lactitol) is used to treat adults with long-term constipation with an unknown cause or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). The medication comes in a powder that needs to be mixed with a liquid before you take it. It's only available as a brand medication, so it might be expensive.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 21, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageContraindicationsAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Pizensy (lactitol)?

What is Pizensy (lactitol) used for?

  • Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

How Pizensy (lactitol) works

Pizensy (lactitol) is an osmotic laxative. It pulls water into your colon and softens stool, which leads to a bowel movement.

Are you looking for information on lactulose instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPizensy
Drug ClassOsmotic laxative
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Pizensy (lactitol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Upper respiratory tract infection (9%)
  • Passing gas (8%)

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach bloating
  • High blood pressure

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Pizensy (lactitol)

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Pros

Works well to treat CIC

Only need to take it just once per day

Available as unit-dose packets or large, multi-dose bottles

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Cons

Powder needs to be mixed with a liquid before each dose

Not recommended for use in children

Brand name only, which can be expensive

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Pizensy (lactitol)

pharmacist

  • Try to take Pizensy (lactitol) with a meal to lower your risk of side effects.

    • Take your other oral medications at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Pizensy (lactitol) to avoid any interactions.

      • If you have diarrhea after using Pizensy (lactitol), contact your provider. This could be a sign that the medication worked too well and you might need a lower dose.

        • Store Pizensy (lactitol) at room temperature. Once you mix the medication with a drink, take it right away. Don't store it for use later on. If you mix the medication and you can't take it right away, throw it away and prepare a new dose when you're ready to take it.

          Preparing a dose of Pizensy (lactitol) using the 280 gram or 560 gram bottle:

          • 1) Open the bottle and fill the cap with the medication powder to the top of the white section marked by the arrow. One capful is 10 grams. 2) Pour the powder into an empty glass. Repeat step1 if your dose is 20 grams. 3) Add 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or another drink and mix the powder with a spoon and drink all of it.

            Preparing a dose of Pizensy (lactitol) using the 10 gram packets:

            • 1) Tear open the packet along the dotted line. 2) Pour the powder from 1 packet (10 grams) or 2 packets (20 grams), depending on your dose, into an empty glass. 3) Add 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or another drink and mix the powder with a spoon and drink all of it.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Pizensy (lactitol)

              How well does Pizensy (lactitol) work for CIC?
              Studies showed that more people who received Pizensy (lactitol) had more bowel movements (up to 3 bowel movements) per week than those who used a placebo. People in the studies generally started seeing a difference within the first week.
              Can I take Pizensy (lactitol) together with my other medications?
              No, don't take Pizensy (lactitol) with other oral (by mouth) medications. Take your other oral medications at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after Pizensy (lactitol). This is because Pizensy (lactitol) causes your body to absorb less of the other oral medications if taken at the same time. Meaning it those other oral medications won't be able to work as well.
              Do I have to take Pizensy (lactitol) with food?
              It's recommended to take Pizensy (lactitol) with food to lower your risk of side effects. If Pizensy (lactitol) is taken when you haven't eaten, your body absorbs twice the amount of medication. This means that you have a higher risk of getting side effects with more medication in your body.
              Can Pizensy (lactitol) be used in children?
              No, Pizensy (lactitol) hasn't been studied in children less than 18 years old, so it's not known if it's safe or works well for them. If your child is constipated, talk to your child's provider about other treatment options for children.
              Can I use Pizensy (lactitol) in pregnancy?
              It isn't known whether Pizensy (lactitol) is safe in pregnancy because it hasn't been studied. Although animal studies have shown no harm was done to babies from mothers who took Pizensy (lactitol), it's still important to check with your provider. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, let your provider know to see if Pizensy (lactitol) is right for you.
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              dosage

              Pizensy (lactitol) dosage forms

              Typical dosing for Pizensy (lactitol)

              The typical dose is 20 grams by mouth once a day with a meal. If you're having diarrhea, your provider might lower your dose to 10 grams once a day with a meal.

              contraindications-icon

              Pizensy (lactitol) contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Pizensy (lactitol) will not be safe for you to take.
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Pizensy (lactitol)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Pizensy (lactitol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Pizensy (lactitol)
              Used for:

              • Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

              View Prices
              Lactulose (Constulose)
              Used for:
              $12.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
              Used for:
              $16.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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