Cremaffin Syrup is a laxative and is mostly consumed to relieve constipation. This is why it is often used by older people who have a slow bowel movement or weak bowels. The medicine is manufactured by Abbott and is also used to provide relief in situations such as painful conditions of the rectum, constipation, stomach acid, painful conditions of the anus, increased water retention in intestines, empty bowels before colonoscopy etc.
| Nature of Cremaffin Syrup: | Laxative |
| Uses of Cremaffin Syrup: | Constipation, improper bowel movement, colonoscopy, other reasons for emptying the bowels |
| Composition of Cremaffin Syrup: | Liquid paraffin, magnesium hydroxide, sodium picosulfate |
| Side Effects of Cremaffin Syrup: | Fatigue, Dizziness , Diarhhoea, Cramps, and stomach aches |
| Precautions: | Anorexia Nervosa, Diarrhoea, pregnancy, lactation |
Uses & Benefits of Cremaffin:
Some of the most common uses of the laxative Cremaffin Syrup that it helps prevents, improve, control, and treat include:
- Emptying of the bowel before colonoscopy
- Increased water in intestines
- Cremaffin helps in Painful condition of the anus
- Painful conditions of the rectum
- Stomach acid neutralization
- Constipation
- Easier passage of stool
- Cremaffin helps to Softening the stool
- Smoothening effect on stomach ulcer
- Indigestion and consequent heartburn or angina
- Relieving the pain in and around rectal/anal area
- Soothe stomach ulcers
Other than these uses, Cremaffin may also be prescribed by doctors for other purposes such as cleansing and detox, or for minor operations of the colon.
Side Effects of Cremaffin:
Usually Cremaffin does not cause users to experience any side effects. However, sometimes patients may have hypersensitivity or may overdose, in which situations the possible side effects that one may experience after taking Cremaffin include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal pain
- Appetite loss
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Inflammation
- Itching of skin
- Loose motions
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
In case, any of these side effects are experienced one must consult a doctor immediately. This is not an exhaustive list as other side effects may also be caused by the drug in specific cases. Severe side effects of Cremaffin are rare but it is advisable to seek medical attention in case one’s condition begins to deteriorate quickly.
Common Dose of Cremaffin:
In order to have the best benefits, Cremaffin laxative should be taken during bedtime with water. Always use a measuring cup for the correct dose. Take the medicine in equal intervals for better results. The medicine can be taken in the morning also but that depends on the condition of the patient which is why one should consult the doctor before using it.
The dosage is prescribed by the doctor based on one’s age and their condition. The most common dosage for adults is 7.5-15 ml and for child is 5-10ml. One should note that it is safe to mix this medicine with ice cream or yogurt to be given to children who might not want to take it otherwise. Don’t give the medicine to the people having the same condition
- Missed Dose: If the patient forgot to take a dose then it is advisable to take it as soon as the patient notices. If the time for the next dose is close then skip the missed dose and resume the intake of the medicine as per dosing schedule. Don’t double dose the medicine to make up for the missed dose.
- Overdose: Don’t consume the medicine more than prescribed. Taking extra dose may worsen the condition of the patient. If any side effect is experienced, immediately contact a doctor.
Composition and Nature of Cremaffin:
Cremaffin consists of liquid paraffin (1.25 ml), magnesium hydroxide or milk of magnesia (3.75 ml) and sodium picosulfate (3.33 mg) as active ingredients.
Cremaffin is a laxative in nature, and it helps assist bowel movements and softens the stool.
- Liquid Paraffin: Also known as mineral oil or liquid petrolatum, liquid paraffin is used as a stool softener. It is also used in a combination with other medicines in skin care products to prevent dry skin. Liquid Paraffin is not recommended in children less than 3 years.
- Magnesium Hydroxide: It is an inorganic chemical compound which helps in reducing stomach acid and increases water in the intestines. It is used as a laxative to get relive from constipation. It is also used as an antacid to get relieve from sour stomach, indigestion, and heartburn.
- Sodium Picosulfate: It is a stimulant laxative which helps in cleaning the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy or surgery in adults.
How Cremaffin Works?
Cremaffin works by stimulating the bowel muscles gently, which in turn increases peristalsis that helps, propel bowel contents out of one’s body. The Cremaffin medicine also lubricates and helps soften stool, helping easy passage.
The paraffin present in the formulation also aids the retention of water and fat in the stool. The milk of magnesia present in the formula also has an important role to play; it draws water into the intestine which then helps soften the stool. Sodium picosulfate stimulates the bowels and makes them work faster and effectively.
In addition to this, the Cremaffin helps neutralize stomach acid as well thereby being effective against certain situations of angina, and acid reflux or GERD.
How to use Cremaffin?
The Cremaffin should not be taken on an empty stomach as this can increase the chance of side effects like diarrhoea. The instructions on the bottle, or the doctor’s advice should be followed and an overdose should be avoided. Cremaffin missed doses should be taken as soon as the patient is reminded of them, but not if the next scheduled dosage time is less than 12 hours away.
The Cremaffin Syrup is usually prescribed to patients as follows:
- Adults: between 7.5 ml to 15 ml
- Children below the age of 10 years: between 5 ml to 10 ml
When is Cremaffin prescribed?
Cremaffin is a medicine used for treating constipation, painful conditions of anus and stomach acid. It is a laxative that softens the stools and helps in emptying the bowels.
- Constipation : Its ingredient liquid paraffin is effective in treating constipation in both adults and children. It softens and lubricates the stools that help it in passing through the bowel. This relieves constipation by making it easier for the stool to pass.
- Softening of stool : The cremaffin goes through the fecal matter and softens the stools. The paraffin accelerates the osmosis and pours more liquid in the stool by making it soft. It activates the nerve fibers within the colon and reduces the pain caused due to hard stools in piles.
- Indigestion and heartburn: Indigestion is a sign of an underlying problem like gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcer rather than a condition on its own. It causes recurrent pain in the upper abdomen. The cremaffin has antacids that help in reducing acidity, heartburn, and indigestion.
- Relieves pain in the rectal/anus area : Rectal bleeding is not necessarily serious. It may cause mild bleeding. One may experience few drops of blood in the stool. This is from hemorrhoids or a small scratch from a stool. Sometimes the bleeding may get serious causing blood clots or black stools.
Precautions and Warning: When to avoid Cremaffin?
Before consuming Cremaffin one must consult a doctor to ensure that this medicine does not interact with any of the other medicines being consumed or if there are pre-existing conditions for which Cremaffin is not recommended.
Individuals with the following conditions must consult a doctor before taking Cremaffin Syrup:
- Allergy to the ingredients of the drug
- Anorexia
- Appendicitis
- Blockage of intestines
- Breastfeeding women
- Diarrhoea
- Diverticulitis
- Heart problem
- Intolerance to fructose or galactose
- Punctured bowel
Additionally, it is advisable that one must take the dosage as prescribed by the doctor and avoid excessive use. The drug must also not be used if one has withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepine or alcohol. It is better to avoid operating heavy machinery or driving after taking Cremaffin as there may be unexpected bowel movement and consequent urgencies.
It must be noted that Cremaffin Syrup may cause hypersensitivity in patients who have the following cases:
- Allergic conditions
- Are below the age of 10
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Intestinal obstruction
To ensure the cremaffiin Syrup works effectively on the patient, the following steps should be taken:
- The dosage of the Cremaffin depends on the age and the condition of the patient. A doctor should be consulted in case a person has any queries, otherwise the instructions on the packaging should be followed.
- Cremaffin should be taken with food and not on an empty stomach lest it cause any side effects.
- When using Cremaffin, a patient should ensure that they are taking enough fluids to ensure that the medicine can do its job well.
- Since the medication can lead to habit formation, it should be used carefully. Prolonged and everyday usage is not recommended since the patient can develop a dependency on the drug.
- It is safe for pregnant women and lactating mothers to use this drug.
Substitutes for Cremaffin Syrup:
Some medicines do not suit patients in specific cases. They may be unavailable in the market as well, and a patient may not be able to use them. In such a situation, medicines which have similar salts or compositions may also be used, and these are called substitutes.
Some of the common substitutes for Cremaffin include:
- Gudlax-plus syrup
- Kinlax Plus Sugar free syrup
- Laxitas syrup
- Laxito plus liquid
- Laxobig suspension
- Picsul plus syrup
- Safolax suspension
- Sofject plus suspension
- Trulax plus
- Zelax-plus suspension
Consult a doctor before consuming any of the substitutes to be on the safe side.
Variants of the cremaffin:
Cremaffin comes in the following variants:
Cremaffin Sugar-Free syrup mixed fruit(Bottle of 225ml)
Cremaffin Sugar-Free syrup mixed fruit(Bottle of 450ml)
Cremaffin Sugar-Free syrup mint(Bottle of 225ml)
The cremaffin tablet is available in the following variant:
Cremaffin Fresh 5mg tablet
Cremaffin Plus
The cremaffin Plus syrup is available in 2 variants:
Cremaffin Plus syrup(Bottle of 225ml)
Cremaffin Plus syrup(Bottle of 100ml)
Suspension form of the cremaffin:
The cremaffin is a laxative that helps in curing constipation for a short period of time by making it easy for the stool to pass. It is used in treating the following conditions like constipation, indigestion and
easing the pain from anus discomfort.
The medicine should not be taken if the patient is suffering has an allergy from any of its components or is suffering from diarrhea, appendicitis and renal dysfunction. Patients should make the limited use of cremaffin as it is an overdose for a long duration can lead to the dependence of the medicine, diarrhea, and fluid imbalance. It should not be used in conditions of intestinal obstruction.
Medicines that should not be taken with Cremaffin:
Patient must share with their doctor about their medical history and what all medicines they are taking currently. They must share with the doctor if are using drugs that make them sleepy, like sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Cremaffin may interact with certain drugs and products, such as:
- Amoxicillin
- Digoxin
- Furosemide
- Kalexate
- Ketoconazole
- Raltegravir
Taking these medicines along with Cremaffin can influence its therapeutic effect and increase the risk of side-effects. Patients should always consider their doctor before consuming any of these drugs.
Cremaffin Interactions:
A Cremaffin may interact with another medicine over a period of time which can change the desirable effects of the drug. In this way, it can increase the risk of side-effects or render the drug ineffective.
Cremaffin may interact with the following products and drugs:
- Amoxicillin
- Dolutegravir dutrebis
- Doxycycline
- Furosemide
- Kalexate
- Prednisolone
- Raltegravir
Cremaffin Price in India:
Cremaffin
Cremaffin Fresh 5mg (tablet): Rs. 10.19 (Strip of 10 tablets)
Cremaffin Sugar-Free syrup mixed fruit(Bottle of 225ml): Rs. 174.4
Cremaffin Sugar-Free syrup mixed fruit(Bottle of 450ml): Rs. 210
Cremaffin Sugar-Free syrup mint(Bottle of 225ml): Rs. 174.4
Cremaffin Plus(Syrup)
Cremaffin Plus syrup(Bottle of 225ml): Rs. 184.92 , Cremaffin Plus syrup(Bottle of 100ml): Rs. 90
How to store Cremaffin?
- Cremaffin should be stored at 28 °C.
- It is advised not to refrigerate the medicine and keep it away from the reach of the children.
- Keep it away from pets.
- Do not use the medicine after the expiry date that is mentioned on the packaging.
FAQs:
1) Can Cremaffin be refrigerated?
Ans: No, Cremaffin should not be refrigerated. However, it should be kept at a temperature under 28-degree Celsius.
2) How long does Cremaffin take to work?
Ans: Cremaffin takes 12 to 24 hours to show its effect. In some cases it may even take 2-3 days to show its effects. Cremaffin is intended to be taken to treat constipation. The medicine helps increase peristalsis and as a result helps discharge faecal matter from the body while neutralizing stomach acid.
3) Is it safe for children to consume cremaffin?
Ans: A proper dose of Cremaffin can be prescribed and given to children over the age of 19 months. However, consult a paediatrician before administering the medicine in children to avoid complications.
4) What role does Milk of Magnesia play in Cremaffin?
Ans: Milk of Magnesia helps relieve constipation by relieving the symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn and acidity.
5) Is it advisable to take Cremaffin as a long-term solution for constipation?
Ans: No, long-term use of Cremaffin Syrup as a solution for constipation is not a good idea. This is because it can cause chronic constipation after a few years since the rate of absorption of certain vitamins may get affected.
Therefore, one must consult a doctor to formulate a plan to taper off the use of the medicine.
6) Is Cremaffin safe for use in patients with liver disease?
Ans: Limited studies are available on the use of Cremaffin on liver disease. However, the results of the studies indicate that taking Cremaffin is not harmful to liver patients.
7) Is Cremaffin safe for use in patients with kidney disease?
Ans: Limited studies are available on the use of Cremaffin on kidney disease. However, the results of the studies indicate that taking Cremaffin is not harmful to liver patients.
8) Can prolonged use of Cremaffin cause kidney disease?
Ans: It is not advisable to use Cremaffin by patients with a known history of kidney diseases.
9) Is Cremaffin safe to take during pregnancy?
Ans: No, Cremaffin is not advisable to take Cremaffin during pregnancy. Consult a doctor before taking Cremaffin.
10) I accidentally took an overdose of Cremaffin. What should I do?
Ans: In case one takes an overdose of the Cremaffin and experience symptoms like muscle weakness, irregular or slow heartbeat, extreme thirst, dry mouth, blood in stool, vomiting, decreased urination, mood changes or dizziness, then one must consult a doctor at the earliest.
11) Is Cremaffin habit forming?
Ans: Yes, Cremaffin drug is habit forming which is why one should avoid taking it without a doctor’s recommendation.
15) What is Cremaffin used to treat?
Ans: Cremaffin is used as a stool softener which relieves constipation.It is also used in curing other conditions, like:
Indigestion and heartburn: Indigestion causes recurrent pain in the upper abdomen. The cremaffin has antacids that help in reducing acidity, heartburn, and indigestion.
Easier passage of stool: Cremaffin acts as a stool softener that increases the amount of water the stool absorbs, thus making it easier to pass.
13) What is Cremaffin used for?
Ans : Cremaffin is used in the following conditions:
- A painful condition of the anus: Conditions such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures can cause irritation and discomfort in the anus. It may also cause bleeding in the anus. Cremaffin, being a laxative makes the bowel movements easier to pass and heals the anal fissures.
- Constipation : In this condition, a person gets hard, infrequent and faces difficulty in passing stools that cause anal pain even without causing fissures. The liquid paraffin present in the medicine acts as a laxative that helps in the retention of water and fat in the stool. Even children above 2 years of age can take this medicine, but occasionally.
- Neutralizing stomach acid: Cremaffin contains milk of magnesia that helps in drawing water into the intestines. Being an antacid, it lowers the amount of acid present in the stomach. It is also used to cure heartburn and indigestion.
- Indigestion and heartburn: Indigestion is a sign of an underlying problem like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcer rather than a condition on its own. It causes recurrent pain in the upper abdomen. The cremaffin has Magnesium Hydroxide which is an antacid that help in reducing acidity, indigestion and heartburn.
- Softening of stool : The drug goes through the fecal matter and softens the stools. The key ingredient of the medicine paraffin accelerates the osmosis and pours more liquid in the stool by making it soft. It activates the nerve fibers within the colon and reduces the pain caused due to hard stools in piles.
14) What are the side effects of Cremaffin?
Ans: Almost every drug available in the market has some side effects that can be minor and some can be serious. Though cremaffin is safe to consume, if not taken properly it may cause side effects.
Mentioned below is the list of side effects caused by cremaffin:
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Dehydration
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
Apart from this, cremaffin may cause allergic or unwanted effects. In such a condition, one should immediately seek medical help.
16) Is there any food item that must be avoided with the intake of Cremaffin?
Ans: No, there are no food items in specific that must be avoided with the consumption of Cremaffin.
17) What are the things that must be kept in mind while taking Cremaffin?
Ans: Laxatives like Cremaffin should only be taken for a shorter period. Its excessive use may lead to diarrhea and excessive loss of fluids from the body. Also, if a person is suffering from intestinal obstruction the medicine must not be taken.
18) Can lactating mothers take Cremaffin?
Ans: No evidence suggesting any problem in lactating mother or baby has been ever noticed with the use of Cremaffin. But it is advised, that lactating mothers must take Cremaffin only on the advice of the doctor.
19) Can a person drive after taking Cremaffin?
Ans: If a person feels side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and headache or a sharp decrease in the blood pressure. He/she must refrain from driving.
20) Can a person operate heavy machinery after taking Cremaffin?
Ans: The medicine may cause lightheadedness and dizziness, therefore it is recommended that a person does not operate any heavy machinery after taking this Cremaffin.
21) What happens on taking an expired Cremaffin?
Ans: Taking a single dose of an expired medicine may not show any severe side effects. However, the expired medicine may have lost its potency. If you have consumed an expired medicine for a prolonged duration, consult your doctor. To be on a safer side, it is advisable to check and never use an expired drug.
22) Is Cremaffin a laxative?
Ans: Yes, Cremaffin is laxative as it loosens stools and increases bowel movements.
23) Shall a person stop using Cremaffin immediately or it has to be slowly weaned off?
Ans: A patient should consult the doctor before stopping the consumption of Cremaffin. The cremaffin is addictive and therefore a person shall take it only in the recommended dosage for a recommended period of time. Also, taking less than the prescribed dosage will not give the desired results.
24) What are the major components of Cremaffin?
Ans: Sodium picosulfate, liquid paraffin, and milk of magnesia are the three active ingredients of this Cremaffin.
25) Does Cremaffin have any adverse effect on organs?
Ans: Yes, prolonged use of Cremaffin will have adverse effects on the kidneys. In severe cases, a dose adjustment is needed. Also, if the patient is suffering from appendicitis, the medicine will have an adverse effect on the same.
26) When should a laxative like Cremaffin be used?
Ans: Laxatives are usually taken to cure constipation and other conditions related to the gastrointestinal problems. However, it is suggested that a person must take this syrup only after getting a prescription from the doctor.
27) When to avoid Cremaffin?
Ans: It is advisable not to take the medicine or use it with caution in the listed below conditions:
Pregnancy
Allergy to any of its components
Diarrhoea
Intestinal blockage
Breast feeding
Patients with liver disease
Appendicitis
Patients with moderate to severe renal dysfunction
28) Are there any allergic reaction reported after the consumption of Cremaffin?
Ans: Listed below are some of the allergic reactions reported after taking Cremaffin. It is advisable to contact a doctor immediately if any of these are experienced.
1. Shortness of breath
2. Swelling of lips, face, throat or tongue
3. Rashes/ itching of the skin
4. Loss of Consciousness
29) What are the appropriate storage requirements for Cremaffin?
Ans: Following are the storage requirements for Cremaffin:
1. Store it at room temperature away from sunlight and heat unless not mention in the package insert.
2. Keep it away from children and pets.
3. Don’t freeze the medicine.
30) Which medicines should not be taken with Cremaffin?
Ans: Cremaffin may interact with the following products and drugs and cause adverse effects:
Amoxicillin
Furosemide
Kalexate
Dolutegravir dutrebis
Prednisolone
Raltegravir
Doxycycline
