This active ingredient is in Lefax
The active ingredient in Lefax is the so-called defoamer simeticon. This dissolves the pain-inducing foam by lowering the surface tension of the gas bubbles. This makes it easier for the gases to be absorbed by the intestinal wall and excreted through the intestines. Painful digestive symptoms are relieved. The drug is excreted unchanged after passing through the intestine. Lefax enzyme preparations also contain some enzymes important for digestion (proteins: lipase, amylase, protease) that help break down food components.
When is Lefax used?
The medication is used for:
- excessive gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract, including after surgery
- disorders or complaints of gastrointestinal function (feeling of fullness, premature satiety, flatulence (meteorism), belching)
- upcoming diagnostic examinations of the abdomen (ultrasound, X-ray, gastrointestinal endoscopy)
- Dishwashing liquid poisoning as first aid
Lefax enzyme is also used to support weakened digestive function.
What are the side effects of Lefax?
So far, no Lefax side effects have been observed in preparations without enzyme supplements. These preparations are suitable for all age groups and are also well tolerated during pregnancy.
Very rarely, taking Lefax enzyme causes irritation of the oral mucosa in sensitive individuals. In addition, isolated allergic reactions are possible. In sufferers with cystic fibrosis (hereditary metabolic disease), taking a high dosage of Lefax enzyme can lead to intestinal obstructions.
Severe allergic reactions to the active ingredient or other ingredients may be manifested by facial or airway swelling with shortness of breath, as well as a drop in blood pressure. In this case, the symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention.
What you should bear in mind when using Lefax
Furthermore, taking the variant with digestive enzymes is not allowed during pancreatitis. Children under twelve years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the drug, as there are insufficient study results.
Since the drug contains various sugars (sucrose, glucose), you should consult your doctor in case of known sugar intolerance.
So far, interactions with other medicines are not known. Nevertheless, it is advisable to inform the doctor or pharmacist of other medicines taken in order to clarify possible side effects.
Infants and young children
Lefax drops are available to children up to the age of six years for easier intake.
Lefax chewable tablets are taken three to four times daily, depending on the dosage, and chewed thoroughly. They can also be taken before bedtime.
For Lefax drops (pump dispenser), the following dosing schedule by age group results:
- Infant: one to two pump shots with meals
- children from one to six years of age: two pump shots three to five times a day
- six years and older: two to four pump shots three to five times a day
In preparation for diagnostic measures, the drops are started the day before the examination. The decision on the required dosage is made by the physician.
The active ingredient of Lefax is an immediate measure in case of poisoning with surfactants (washing-up liquids, detergents, soaps). Depending on the severity of the poisoning, adults receive one to two tablespoons of the drops and children 0.5 to two teaspoons. Following this initial measure, a doctor should be consulted immediately in any case.
The enzyme Lefax preparation is taken one to three times a day (one or two tablets) with meals and chewed.
How to get Lefax
The medication is available over the counter at pharmacies. Your doctor and pharmacist can determine an appropriate Lefax dosage from the following products:
- Lefax chewable tablets
- Enzyme Lefax
- Lefax Extra Chewable Tablets
- Lefax drops
Complete information about this drug
Here you can find the complete information about the drug as a download (PDF)
