Gastrointestinal conditions are usually the most common and uncomfortable diseases suffered by the human being in question. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, discomfort such as flatulence and gas, intestinal obstruction, among other symptoms, are the usual and most recurrent.
To do this, the pharmaceutical industry has developed drugs such as plantaben that can help relieve these symptoms and thus improve the quality of life of many people . Always keeping in mind that it is necessary to consult your doctor if the discomfort is recurrent.
In the following article, we will detail what plantaben is about, what it is for, its side effects and contraindications , so you can learn about the action of this medicine against gastric discomfort.
What is plantain?
Plantaben is a medicine in the form of an effervescent powder, which is mainly made up of the seeds of the plantago ovata plant (a type of soluble fiber), in addition to containing sodium saccharin, sodium bicarbonate , tartaric acid, orange essence and orange dye.
Important: The action of this medicine is based on increasing the volume and improving the consistency of the stool in order to facilitate intestinal transit, especially in people who have changes in diet, travel or prolonged treatments that unbalance intestinal function.
The main compound of plantaben is distributed in: plantago ovata 3.5 g, so it is suggested that its consumption be done after meals, in addition to water intake should be 1 to 2 liters per day respectively.
On the other hand, the presentation of plantaben is usually 30 sachets with 5 g of the drug, which can be ingested by adults and children over 12 years of age; 1 sachet 1 to 3 times a day is recommended . While in children from 6 to 12 years of age, 1 to 2 sachets per day, taking into account that it should not be administered to children under 6 years of age.
What is plantain used for?
As mentioned above, plantaben is a drug manufactured in powder form to improve gastrointestinal conditions, such as:
1. Constipation
Constipation is a condition where the person is unable to evacuate feces, so the intake of plantaben reduces the pain caused by constipation and facilitates evacuation in case of fecal impaction. (1)
2. Colon irritable y diverticulosis
Both conditions directly attack the digestive tract. Irritable colon can present symptoms such as colic, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea or constipation, while diverticulosis is characterized by the inflammation of small sacs in the intestinal tract. (two)
To highlight: Plantaben can provide a feeling of fullness after meals if taken half an hour after eating it, since it combats flatulence and a feeling of constipation that disappears in a few days depending on the dose administered.
3. Colostomy
Evacuation in patients with colostomy is carried out through an intervention, where an external bag is adjusted to a part of the intestine , so that the stool is mainly liquid.
You should know: Plantaben is recommended as a treatment depending on the patient’s diet, since this medicine simplifies defecation and facilitates the expulsion of waste.
plantaben side effects
The excessive intake of plantaben can generate certain side effects, since being a plant it can trigger external symptoms to those previously diagnosed by a professional. Here are some of the side effects of plantaben:
- Allergy to plantago ovata seed .
- Diarrhea of functional origin.
- Flatulence or gas.
- Abdominal distension.
- Undiagnosed rectal bleeding.
- Weight loss and certain metabolic disorders.
Important: In case of presenting any of the mentioned effects, it is necessary to suspend the use of plantaben and consult a specialist doctor .
Plantaben Contraindications
Plantaben is a drug whose use should preferably be supervised by a specialist doctor , therefore it is suggested that this medication not be administered in the following cases:
- Prolonged treatments with drastic laxatives.
- Children under 6 years old.
- Diabetic patients using insulin.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking plantaben.
Key Conclusions
- Plantaben is a medicine in the form of an effervescent powder whose active ingredient is the seeds of plantago ovata .
- It is available in sachets of 5 g each.
- It works as a treatment for conditions such as: diarrhea, constipation, irritable colon , in patients with a colostomy or who suffer from diverticulosis.
- Prolonged intake of this medicine can cause allergies, weight loss, flatulence, among others .
- It is recommended to avoid its use in children under 6 years of age , pregnant and lactating women, as well as in diabetic patients.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.