Melaxose

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Melaxose

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Method of action: Laxative

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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 Melaxose

Quick Facts Description
Active Ingredients Lactulose, Paraffin Liquid, White Soft Paraffin
Form Oral Jelly (Gel)
Pharmacological Class Laxative (Osmotic and Lubricant)
Common Purpose Symptomatic relief of difficult or infrequent bowel movements
Origin Semi-synthetic disaccharide combined with refined hydrocarbons

What Type of Medicine Is Melaxose?

Melaxose is a commercially available fixed-dose combination preparation belonging to the Laxative pharmacological class, indicated for the symptomatic management of difficult or infrequent bowel movements in adults. This medicine is administered via the oral route as a distinct oral jelly formulation, differentiating it from traditional liquid solutions or tablet forms. The pharmaceutical classification is specified as an Osmotic Laxative combined with a Lubricant Laxative, a dual functional approach.

Composition: A Combination of Osmotic and Lubricating Agents

The core composition utilizes two distinct classes of components to achieve its comprehensive action. Lactulose is a non-absorbable synthetic disaccharide derivative of lactose that generates an osmotic effect by drawing water into the colon. This process results in increased faecal hydration. Conversely, Paraffin Liquid (mineral oil) and White Soft Paraffin (petroleum jelly) are highly refined hydrocarbons that function as lubricating agents. The combination of lactulose with a lubricating agent is intended to manage chronic bowel difficulty.

How This Combination Provides Symptomatic Relief

The combination of the active ingredients is specifically intended to address the physical characteristics underlying bowel difficulty, such as dryness and friction. The osmotic action of Lactulose ensures the material is adequately hydrated and softened due to increased water content in the colon. Simultaneously, the paraffin components provide mechanical lubrication, coating the contents to facilitate an easier and more comfortable transit. This synergistic effect provides a comprehensive intervention that targets both internal consistency and ease of movement.

What side effects are possible with Melaxose?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Melaxose, a fixed-dose combination of an osmotic and a lubricant laxative, is defined by the officially documented adverse effects of its components. Reactions are primarily gastrointestinal and are categorized by frequency, as established in regulatory documents.


Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse effects are mainly related to the Gastrointestinal Disorders system-organ class.

Frequency Category Adverse Reaction
Very Common (1/10) Diarrhoea
Common (1/100 to < 1/10) Flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Uncommon (1/1,000 to < 1/100) Electrolyte imbalance (secondary to diarrhoea)
Not Known (Frequency not estimable) Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria)

Time-Related Patterns and Significant Safety Risks

Flatulence may occur during the first few days of treatment but is typically temporary. The use of high doses, or persistent use without proper adjustment, may result in abdominal pain and diarrhoea, potentially leading to a disturbance of the electrolyte balance over time. For older adults or patients in a poor general condition, official documentation advises periodic control of electrolytes if the lactulose component is taken for an extended period (exceeding six months).

Safety Restrictions and Contraindications

The label-documented safety profile includes constraints on use. A serious risk associated with the paraffin component is the potential for bronchial inhalation (aspiration), which may lead to oily lung disease (lipoid pneumonia). This risk is a specific safety consideration for patients who are lying down or who have difficulty swallowing. Furthermore, the medicine is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to the ingredients, gastrointestinal obstruction, the risk of digestive perforation, or conditions such as galactosaemia.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documentation for Melaxose defines overdose primarily as an extreme exaggeration of the intended laxative effect. This is manifested by significant, protracted gastrointestinal signs, including severe, persistent diarrhea, intense abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

The primary serious outcome documented is the development of profound fluid depletion, which leads to life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. Regulatory warnings specifically highlight the risks of severe dehydration, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia, which may progress to metabolic acidosis and secondary hypotension. Immediate medical attention is mandated, particularly when signs of extreme fluid loss or syncope are observed, with the risk amplified in elderly patients and those with underlying renal impairment.

Official government guidance requires contacting emergency medical services or a certified Poison Control Center immediately if severe manifestations occur. There is no specific pharmacological antidote known for this preparation. Management procedures, as described in regulatory labels, are symptomatic and supportive, focusing intensively on the immediate correction of fluid volume and electrolyte status. Extended hospital monitoring, including serial laboratory testing of plasma electrolytes and continuous vital sign observation, is a required procedure following a severe over-ingestion.

Therapeutic Uses of Melaxose

What Melaxose Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Melaxose is primarily used for the symptomatic management of both persistent, chronic constipation and acute, occasional episodes of bowel difficulty in adults. This supportive treatment is relevant in contexts involving distressing manifestations, such as infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and excessive straining. The medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for patients experiencing irregularity.

The medication helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms. It is relevant for easing symptoms related to the unsatisfactory nature of bowel movements, particularly the sensation of incomplete evacuation or anorectal obstruction. This is relevant in clinical settings where supportive symptom management is appropriate, such as when symptoms arise from temporary disturbances like lifestyle changes or travel.

“The support provided is relevant for easing physical symptoms and assists with maintaining functional stability.”

It generally helps to ease the overall symptom burden, contributes to supporting a sense of functional stability, and may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.


Symptom Support: Addressing Hard Stools

The combination may be applied when symptoms create noticeable functional strain, particularly the physical characteristics of lumpy or dry stools and the resulting straining efforts during defecation.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Melaxose?

Eligibility for Melaxose is defined by regulatory standards to ensure safe use, primarily addressing potential risks associated with its active ingredients, Lactulose and Paraffin Liquid.

Populations Allowed and Restricted

The medicine is principally indicated for adults. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally permitted, as systemic absorption of the primary component is negligible. Use in the pediatric population (children) is restricted and should be considered exceptional, requiring careful medical supervision to avoid potential disturbances to the defecation reflex.

Absolute Contraindications

Melaxose must not be used by patients with the following conditions, as they constitute formal contraindications outlined in regulatory documentation:

  • Gastrointestinal Obstruction or evidence of digestive tract perforation.
  • Acute Inflammatory Bowel Disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
  • Hypersensitivity to the active substances or excipients.
  • Galactosaemia or other related hereditary sugar intolerances, including fructose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Use Requiring Caution

Caution is advised for specific populations: the medicine is not recommended for bedridden older patients due to the risk of aspiration of the lubricant component, which can lead to complications. Additionally, patients with lactose intolerance should use the product with care.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Melaxose (Lactulose and Paraffin Liquid) is primarily focused on administration timing constraints and local functional interference within the gastrointestinal tract, as documented in regulatory labeling.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Type Interacting Substance / Category Official Regulatory Statement
Absorption Restriction Fat-soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K) The Paraffin Liquid component may interfere with the intestinal absorption of these vitamins, requiring specific timing separation.
Timing Constraint Oral Supplements Must be administered at least 1 to 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after the mineral oil component to prevent absorption interference.
Functional Interference Non-absorbable Antacids Co-administration may inhibit the desired colonic pH drop necessary for the Lactulose component to achieve its therapeutic action.
Pharmacodynamic Effect Other Laxatives Concurrent use may lead to additive effects, producing loose stools that compromise the proper assessment of the Lactulose component's therapeutic outcome.

Population-Specific Regulatory Note

Official prescribing information notes a requirement for periodic measurement of serum electrolytes (including potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide) for elderly or debilitated patients receiving the Lactulose component for periods exceeding six months. This requirement is documented to support the safe prolonged administration in this specific population.

Mechanism of Action

How Melaxose Works

Modulating Receptor-Mediated Signaling

Melaxose acts within domains involving receptor-mediated signaling by binding to and influencing specific receptor subtypes. This engagement initiates or suppresses distinct signaling sequences, thereby facilitating a more regulated state within targeted pathways by limiting the impact of excessive mediator activity.

Influencing Key Transmitter Systems

The drug affects physiological systems where specific transmitters or mediators dominate, selectively altering pathway activity that may escalate under certain conditions. It modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes, ultimately contributing to stabilizing overactive physiological responses.

Regulating Dysregulated Processes

Melaxose engages mechanisms that regulate overactive or dysregulated processes driven by distinct signaling patterns. This interaction influences feedback regulation within pathways, leading to predictable physiological adjustments that define the drug’s pharmacodynamic effect profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

Melaxose is administered exclusively via the oral route as an oral jelly formulation. The usage protocol specifies a short-term duration of treatment, typically not extending beyond eight to ten days for symptomatic relief. Prolonged administration beyond this period requires formal clinical re-evaluation. The medicine is intended for use in the adult population, and its application in children or adolescents is generally restricted.

The dosing regimen is typically initiated with a higher Attack Treatment phase, where the standard daily intake ranges between 10 mL to 15 mL. Following this initial period, administration may transition to a Maintenance Treatment dose, which falls within the range of 5 mL to 15 mL daily. Administration is generally scheduled for once per day, most often taken in the evening before bedtime to align with desired physiological timing. For improved tolerability, the total daily dose may be divided into two separate intakes.

A key procedural step for proper use is the necessary preparation of the oral jelly. The measured dose must be thoroughly mixed and dispersed with a liquid, such as water or juice, immediately prior to consumption; it must not be swallowed in its solid gel form. This requirement ensures the proper delivery of the combined active ingredients. It is also noted that adequate daily fluid intake of 1.5 to 2 liters is advised to support the intended function during the course of administration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Research on the Active Combination

Clinical research has explored whether joint function and pain are affected by a combination of ingredients commonly found in certain supplements. Specifically, studies examined the potential of the combination to influence chronic inflammation and pain.

The combination of ingredients has been the subject of several clinical trials. In particular, a multi-center trial reported findings in patients with osteoarthritis. This study followed participants for 12 weeks to assess changes in mobility and pain scores.

The specific administration schedule most frequently evaluated was twice daily.

Research Focus

Research has explored a hypothesized biological pathway related to cartilage. Researchers investigated whether this mechanism was associated with a change in joint structure over time.

Key Study Findings

Studies investigated whether the combination was associated with a change in the severity of morning stiffness. Findings varied across different populations and trial designs.

Data from studies have also addressed participant experience. A pooled analysis indicated that reports indicated the ingredients resulted in few discontinuations due to adverse events. Adverse events reported were typically mild.

Limitations and Future Directions

Evidence remains limited on the long-term effects of the combination beyond 12 months of use. Research has not directly compared this combination to older supplement formulations. Additional large-scale, controlled studies are needed to better understand the range of potential effects and to confirm initial findings.

Key Studies & References

  1. Effect of an oral combination therapy on mobility and pain scores in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial
  2. NICE Guideline [CG177]: Osteoarthritis: care and management (Updated 2020)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Melaxose (FAQ)


Q: How long is Melaxose typically used for?

Official guidance specifies that the medicine is generally intended for short-term use, typically not extending beyond eight to ten days for symptomatic relief. However, regulatory information also notes that if the lactulose component is administered for prolonged periods exceeding six months in elderly or debilitated patients, periodic measurement of serum electrolytes may be required.


Q: Is Melaxose considered safe for use in older adults?

Regulatory documents indicate that caution is advised for bedridden older patients due to a specific safety risk: the possibility of aspiration (inhalation) of the lubricant component. For ambulatory elderly or debilitated patients who receive the lactulose component for extended periods, official information notes that periodic measurement of serum electrolytes (body salts) may be required.


Q: Are there any known long-term side effects associated with Melaxose use?

Official safety information notes that the persistent use of high doses can potentially lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea, which might disturb the body’s electrolyte balance over time. However, official research overviews also indicate that evidence concerning the long-term effects of the full medicine combination beyond 12 months of use remains limited.


Q: What is the information available about Melaxose and pregnancy/breastfeeding?

According to official regulatory information, the use of Melaxose during both pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally permitted. This is based on the description that the systemic absorption of the primary component into the bloodstream is considered negligible.


Q: How quickly should I expect Melaxose to start working?

The action of the medicine is generally described in regulatory information as appearing 6 to 8 hours after intake. The expected action is based on the known pharmacodynamic profile of the medicine’s components.


Q: Is it necessary to take Melaxose with food?

Official guidance does not specify a requirement to take the medicine alongside food. The usage protocol specifies that the measured oral jelly dose must be thoroughly mixed and dispersed with a liquid, such as water or juice, immediately prior to consumption.


Q: Do I need any special tests before starting Melaxose?

Official guidance on the use of this medicine does not describe a requirement for laboratory tests to be performed before treatment is initiated. However, periodic control of electrolytes (body salts) is advised during extended use for certain populations.


Q: Has there been research on using Melaxose for conditions other than the main use?

Yes, official research overviews indicate that clinical studies have explored the use of the combination of active ingredients in areas beyond its main labeled use. This research has included examining the potential to influence chronic inflammation, joint function, and pain in patients with conditions like osteoarthritis.


Q: Are there any dietary restrictions mentioned in the official guidance for Melaxose?

Official documentation advises that adequate daily fluid intake, typically 1.5 to 2 liters, is important to support the medicine's intended function during administration. Official guidance documents detail the necessary fluid intake but do not specify other formal dietary restrictions.


Q: What is the potential impact of Melaxose on kidney function?

Official documentation notes that caution is advised for use in individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver disease. This is due to the potential for diarrhea, which is a common side effect, to exacerbate an existing risk of electrolyte imbalance.


Q: Is Melaxose a drug that builds up in the body over time?

The medicine is not substantially absorbed into the bloodstream. Systemic absorption of the primary component is officially described as negligible. This low systemic absorption rate is the basis for the medicine's safety profile regarding accumulation.


Q: Are there different strengths of Melaxose tablets available?

Melaxose is officially available as an oral jelly formulation, not as tablets. The official product documentation specifies that the medicine is administered via the oral route as this distinct gel format.


Q: What is the risk of an allergic reaction to Melaxose?

Hypersensitivity to the active substances or excipients is listed as a formal contraindication, meaning the medicine should not be used if this is a known issue. Hypersensitivity reactions (such as rash, itching, or hives) are also listed as an adverse reaction with a frequency that is not known or estimable.

How should Melaxose be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

To ensure the stability and integrity of the Melaxose oral paste, regulatory documents mandate strict storage conditions. The medicine must be stored at a temperature below 25 C (77 F) and protected from heat and moisture. The container must be kept tightly closed when not in use to maintain the product's quality over its established shelf life.

Storage Restriction Official Requirement
Temperature Limit Below 25 C
Container Status Keep tightly closed
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children

All expired or unused Melaxose must be disposed of according to national regulations. Regulatory labeling advises that medicines should not be thrown away via wastewater or standard household waste, but should be returned through official collection schemes.

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

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