Pharmacist Medication Insights: Lactitol for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Lactitol (Pizensy) was approved by the FDA in March 2020 as an oral solution for treating chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults.

Lactitol is a simple monosaccharide sugar alcohol taken once per day that generates an osmotic effect in order to trigger the influx of water into the small intestine and consequently treat CIC symptoms.

Lactitol differs from other CIC prescriptions in that rather than a solid form oral dose, it offers the ability to mix the medication with a patient’s preferred fluid, including water, juice, coffee, tea, and soda. Lactitol also allows patients to choose what time of day to take it and to adjust the dose of the product. During clinical trials, approximately 25% of participants had the option of reducing dosage.