Lecicarbon

Quick links to important sections

Lecicarbon

Method of action: Laxative

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Lecicarbon

Lecicarbon is a combination laxative designed to provide fast-acting, predictable relief from constipation through a unique, localized mechanism. It is classified as a Carbon Dioxide producing drug (CO2-Laxans), distinguished by its specialized rectal suppository form and non-systemic effect.


Property Description
Active Ingredients Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate, Sodium Bicarbonate
Form Suppository
Pharmacological Class Carbon Dioxide Producing Laxative (CO2-Laxans)
Common Use Relief from constipation, Bowel evacuation
Origin Synthetic combination of salts

Lecicarbon: Definition, Class, and Composition

Lecicarbon is a pharmaceutical entity defined by its composition of two distinct, chemically active salts: Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate and Sodium Bicarbonate. This combination product is manufactured by athenstaedt GmbH & Co KG and is widely recognized in European markets as an established option for prompt relief. This drug belongs to the pharmacological class of laxatives, specifically designated as an agent that stimulates bowel evacuation via localized chemical action. The product is a synthetic combination product, engineered to ensure the two active ingredients remain stable until they interact within the body's environment.


Physical Form and General Therapeutic Purpose

Lecicarbon is supplied exclusively as a suppository, a solid dosage form administered via the rectal route. This form ensures the active components are delivered directly to the lower bowel, which limits its action and provides a prompt impetus for bowel evacuation. The general purpose of this local action is to offer reliable, short-term relief from constipation by bypassing the upper digestive system entirely, acting as a means of mechanical stimulation. The method of delivery is designed for a fast onset of action. Patients can expect rapid relief upon use, a feature clinically recognized for its utility in preparing the bowel prior to diagnostic procedures.


How the Dual-Salt System Differentiates Lecicarbon

The drug is differentiated by its unique, physiological mechanism wherein the Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate and Sodium Bicarbonate react upon contact with moisture in the rectum to generate Carbon Dioxide gas (CO2). This gas causes a gentle, physical expansion of the rectal wall, which naturally stimulates the intestinal muscles (peristalsis) to initiate a movement. Unlike oral laxatives, which may rely on drawing water into the colon or increasing stool mass, Lecicarbon relies on this precise physical stimulation to trigger the natural defecation reflex. This local generation of gas is generally non-habit forming, meaning the body's natural function is less likely to become dependent on the drug.

Regulatory References

  1. Carbon Dioxide-Releasing Laxatives Monograph (Health Canada)
  2. Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate (Health Canada Monograph)
  3. Sodium Bicarbonate (Health Canada Monograph)
  4. Laxative Classification (Health Canada Monograph)

What side effects are possible with Lecicarbon?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The medicine's safety profile is defined by officially documented, localized reactions and specific restrictions for use, as outlined in government regulatory documents like the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

Adverse Reaction Scope

The adverse reactions associated with Lecicarbon are typically localized to the application site. The official frequency classification lists the following effects:

  • Very occasionally: A slight burning sensation at the anal area, which is documented to quickly disappear (a transient effect).
  • Rarely: Allergic reactions associated with the excipient Soya Lecithin.

The documented effects are categorized within the Gastrointestinal disorders (anal/rectal region) and the Immune system disorders (for hypersensitivity) system-organ classes.

Safety Restrictions and Contraindications

Official labeling mandates that the medicine must not be used under certain conditions, which include:

  • Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Cases of intestinal obstruction (ileus).
  • Severe Colonic Conditions: The presence of toxic megacolon.
  • Hypersensitivity: Known hypersensitivity to the active components or excipients.
  • Excipient-Based Constraint: Individuals with a known peanut or soya allergy due to the content of soya lecithin.

Population-Specific Safety Notes

The regulatory label provides specific safety notes for certain groups:

  • Children/Infants: The product is contraindicated in children and infants who have anal or rectal diseases where there is a risk of excessive absorption of carbon dioxide.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is permissible after a medical evaluation.

This structure organizes the official risk assessment around the localized nature of the infrequent side effects and the absolute necessity to exclude severe pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documents define the overdose profile of Lecicarbon based on its localized, non-systemic action.


Documented Manifestations and Severity

The regulatory prescribing information states that no specific systemic symptoms of overdose are known for this product. Because the drug's effect is confined to the lower bowel and does not involve significant systemic absorption, systemic toxic effects are generally not expected. Official regulatory documents, therefore, do not list specific life-threatening cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic complications resulting from an overdose. The prescribing information also contains no documented notes regarding population-specific factors, such as increased severity in the elderly or those with existing organ impairments.


Regulatory Action and Required Help-Seeking

The official Patient Information Leaflet explicitly addresses dose exceedance, noting the resulting severity is classified as a minimal hazard and stating there is "no danger." As a consequence of this low documented risk, no special measures are required for the management of an overdose, and the labeling does not describe an antidote or specific supportive procedures. Immediate medical attention or contacting emergency services is not explicitly mandated in the regulatory documents. The required regulatory action when the maximum dose is exceeded is to consult a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate guidance.

Therapeutic Uses of Lecicarbon

The primary therapeutic application of Lecicarbon is commonly used to help with supportive relief and assists with the noticeable physiological strain associated with the lower digestive tract. The product is commonly used to help manage symptoms of constipation and is applied in clinical settings when supportive symptom management is needed. The product is commonly used across therapeutic domains where short-term symptomatic assistance is appropriate.

Managing Constipation Symptoms

The medication is used for managing symptomatic relief across various forms of constipation, including those linked to low-fiber diets or lack of physical activity, and applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns. It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, contributing to easing the overall symptom load.

Lecicarbon is used for managing specific symptoms related to symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain during elimination, such as excessive straining and the feeling of a blockage or retained stool. It supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Quick Fact: Supports Functional Relief
Contributes to easing symptoms related to physiological strain, which become more disruptive during flare-ups.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Lecicarbon suppositories have clear regulatory constraints regarding who is eligible to use the medicine, based on patient condition, age, and known allergies.

Contraindications (Must Not Use)

The medicine is absolutely contraindicated for patients who fall into the following groups, as stated in the regulatory labeling:

  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the active substances or any of the excipients.
  • Patients with an allergy to peanut or soya (due to excipient composition).
  • Patients diagnosed with ileus (intestinal obstruction).
  • Patients with any disease of the anal or rectal region that could lead to excessive carbon dioxide absorption, which is noted as a specific concern in children and infants.

Eligibility and Restrictions

Population Group Eligibility Status
Age Groups The correct strength must be used: Lecicarbon A for adults/adolescents, Lecicarbon C for children. Adult formulation (A) is not recommended for children.
Toxic Megacolon Use is restricted and requires explicit permission from the treating physician.
Pregnancy May be used after a careful risk-to-benefit evaluation by a physician.
Breastfeeding May be used, as the carbon dioxide is not excreted in human breast milk.

The official eligibility profile is strictly defined by these safety exclusions and the mandatory matching of the product strength to the patient's age group.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for the Lecicarbon suppository is distinguished by the explicit finding in regulatory documents that no interactions are known with other medicinal products. This status is formally attributed to the drug’s specific pharmacological properties.

Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Finding
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions None documented.
Mechanistic basis of interactions Interactions are considered not likely by regulators due to the drug’s highly localized, non-systemic action.
Timing-based interaction rules None required or specified.
Food, Alcohol, and Supplement Interactions No special precautions regarding co-administration with food or drink are documented in the official labeling.

Interaction Classifications

Classification Official Regulatory Finding
Interaction severity classification Not applicable, as no interactions are known.
Interaction-related restrictions No formal restrictions on co-administration with any specific medicinal product are documented in the official regulatory text.

Official Interaction Statements

The regulatory documentation clearly establishes the product’s interaction structure:

  • The official label explicitly states that no interactions with other medicinal products are known.
  • There are no mandatory separation rules for administration time listed in the official labeling.

Connection to the overall interaction profile: Regulatory authorities define the product’s interaction structure by formally declaring the absence of known interactions. This is based on the localized action of the drug, which prevents systemic exposure from reaching levels necessary to influence the metabolism, clearance, or plasma concentration of co-administered substances.

Mechanism of Action

Chemical Initiation of Physiological Gas Release

This mechanism starts with the chemical synergy of the two precursor salts, Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate and Sodium Bicarbonate, which react upon contact with rectal moisture to liberate Carbon Dioxide ( CO2) gas. The two salts must combine to produce the active mediator, defining a mechanism reliant on localized chemical synthesis rather than systemic absorption and distribution.


Dual Physical and Physiological Motility Stimulus

The resultant CO2 acts on two critical biological targets: it causes physical distension of the rectal wall to activate mechanoreceptors and, simultaneously, acts as a potent physiological stimulant to enhance the peristalsis of the local smooth muscle fibers . This dual action initiates the entire defaecation reflex pathway, driving the local muscular coordination required for the motor response.


Peripheral Mechanism and Physiological Containment

The entire action is contained within the rectosigmoid segment, ensuring the mechanism remains exclusively peripheral. Because the active chemical mediator is generated locally and the precursor salts are designed for minimal systemic absorption, the action bypasses the need for the central nervous system or distant organ systems. This targeted, non-absorbable mechanism rapidly induces the coordinated physiological events required for a motor sequence, leading to a targeted effect that avoids pharmacological interaction with non-target organ systems throughout the body.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines for Lecicarbon Suppositories

The following instructions detail the procedural steps for the use of Lecicarbon, a rectal suppository.


Administration Scope and Dosing

Feature Guideline
Route of Administration Rectal (suppository)
Standard Dosing Insert one suppository into the rectum when needed
Frequency/Timing An individual dose may be repeated after 30 to 60 minutes if necessary
Onset of Action Defecation is expected 15 to 30 minutes after application

Age-Specific Use and Preparation

Two different strengths are available for use based on age:

  • Lecicarbon A Suppository (Adult strength): Intended for adults and children above 12 years of age.
  • Lecicarbon C Suppository (Child strength): Intended for children.

Preparation Steps: Before use, the suppository must be removed from its packaging by separating it from the strip and pulling the plastic tabs apart. Insertion is made easier if the suppository is first dipped into water; do not use oil or petroleum jelly as a lubricant.

Lecicarbon is an as-needed medication. For pediatric use, it may be necessary to press the child's buttocks together after insertion to help retain the suppository.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Lecicarbon: Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Chronic Constipation Relief

Research examined the product for use in conditions characterized by functional limitations, specifically in adult outpatients experiencing chronic constipation. The studies are primarily designed as short-term, placebo-controlled trials conducted over a defined, limited time period. These trials monitored outcomes related to bowel evacuation time, the frequency of bowel movements, and changes in patient-reported outcomes describing experiences of symptom change.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where the data show patterns related to measurements that were observed between the product group and the placebo group. For example, some studies reported a higher percentage of measured bowel evacuations occurring within a short timeframe (such as 30 minutes). However, certainty remains low regarding long-term use, and follow-up durations were limited in many core efficacy trials.


Evidence for Symptoms of Difficult Defecation (Dyschezia)

Research was studied for use in conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms such as difficult defecation (dyschezia). Studies focused on adult populations and monitored the change in the intensity of outcomes related to physical discomfort over short intervals, such as three weeks.

The research highlights changes measured during the study period, with some data show patterns related to measured discomfort scores that were observed between the product group and the placebo group. What remains uncertain are the potential long-term functional changes that may be associated with difficult defecation, as the primary focus of the research was on short-term outcomes.


Key Limitations and Remaining Research Gaps

Comparative evidence is lacking because the core randomized controlled trials (RCTs) primarily compare the product to placebo rather than to other active ingredients. This means the research provides context but not individual predictions. Sample sizes were modest in some of the pivotal efficacy trials, and data for certain groups, such as pregnant patients or those with certain systemic imbalances, remain insufficient. Evidence for pre-procedure use relies heavily on official drug monographs and documentation of established clinical use rather than contemporary comparative trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lecicarbon (FAQ)


Q: What is the main difference between Lecicarbon A and Lecicarbon C?

According to official product information, the main difference between Lecicarbon A (Adult) and Lecicarbon C (Children) is the strength of the active ingredients. The children's strength (C) contains approximately half the amount of the active salts compared to the adult strength (A). This is consistent with the regulatory requirement to match the product strength to the age group.

Q: Are there any age limits for using the adult Lecicarbon A suppository?

Regulatory documents clearly state that the adult formulation, Lecicarbon A, is not suitable for use in children under 12 years of age. Official product information indicates this restriction is required to match the strength to the intended age group.

Q: Is it possible for the suppository to dissolve too quickly?

The official administration guidelines recommend dipping the suppository into water before insertion to make the process easier. However, the same guidance explicitly warns against using oil or petroleum jelly as a lubricant. This guidance is provided to ensure the product maintains stability and works as intended after insertion.

Q: Does the CO2 gas absorb into the body or stay only in the rectum?

Lecicarbon is designed for highly localized action, meaning it primarily works only within the rectum. Official pharmacokinetic information indicates that systemic toxic effects (effects on the whole body) are not expected. Any small amount of precursor ingredients that is not converted into CO2 may be absorbed and later excreted in the urine.

Q: Why does the leaflet mention allergic reactions to peanut or soya?

The reason for this warning is that the product contains the excipient, or inactive ingredient, known as soya lecithin. Because this ingredient is derived from soya, regulatory documents require a contraindication (must not use) for individuals with known allergies to either peanut or soya.

Q: Can I use Lecicarbon if I have a history of hemorrhoids or rectal fissures?

According to the official contraindications, this medicine must not be used if a patient has any disease of the anal or rectal region. Official documentation indicates that this restriction is in place due to a documented risk that these conditions could lead to excessive absorption of carbon dioxide.

Q: Does physical activity affect how well Lecicarbon works?

Official patient information, such as that provided by governmental drug agencies, advises avoiding vigorous exercise after inserting the suppository. This recommendation is made to help ensure the medicine remains in the correct position until the reflex action occurs.

Q: Is Lecicarbon a regular laxative or something different?

Lecicarbon is officially classified as a specific type of laxative known as a Carbon Dioxide producing drug ( CO2-Laxans). This classification distinguishes it from other types of laxatives because it operates by stimulating a natural defecation reflex through the physical release of CO2 gas.

Q: Why do doctors recommend this for procedures/surgeries?

Regulatory documents confirm that the medicine is officially indicated for the purpose of emptying the colon. Specifically, it is used before diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the rectum where prompt and complete bowel clearance is necessary.

Q: Does using Lecicarbon help train my body for regular bowel movements?

Regulatory text describes Lecicarbon as a product that is not habit-forming and is safe to use for long periods. This means the body is not likely to become dependent on the drug, which is consistent with supporting the body’s natural defecation reflex.

Q: Can Lecicarbon cause stomach cramps or gas pain?

Official product information states that the mechanism of action is designed to activate intestinal movement and trigger the evacuation process without causing irritation, cramps or other side effects. This statement indicates that the mechanism is expected to activate movement without causing irritation or cramps.

Q: Can this medicine cause a feeling of not completely emptying the bowels?

A feeling of incomplete evacuation is a known possibility, as official patient information lists a sensation of inadequate defecation as a reported adverse reaction. This describes the experience of feeling that bowel evacuation was incomplete after using the product.

Q: Are there any long-term side effects from using this medicine?

Official information describes the product as being safe to use for long periods and as not habit-forming. Due to its highly localized action, systemic toxic effects (effects on the whole body) are not expected from its use.

Q: Can Lecicarbon cause diarrhea or loose stool?

Diarrhea or loose stool is listed as a possible adverse reaction in official patient information.

How should Lecicarbon be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Lecicarbon

Official regulatory guidelines strictly define the conditions required to store and dispose of Lecicarbon suppositories.


Storage Requirements

Lecicarbon must not be stored above 25, C to maintain its stability and effectiveness. The product should not be used after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the packaging. For safety, the medicine must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused Lecicarbon must not be discarded in wastewater or with household waste. Users are officially required to ask a pharmacist how to properly throw away any unwanted medicines. This ensures adherence to local pharmaceutical waste regulations.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Lecicarbon found in:

A-Z Index: