Lactitol

Synonyms: E966; b-galactosido-sorbitol; Finlac DC; lactil; lactite; lactitolum monohydricum; lactobiosit; lactosit; Lacty.

Description: Lactitol occurs as white orthorhombic crystals. It is odorless with a sweet taste that imparts a cooling sensation. It is available in powdered form and in a range of crystal sizes. The directly compressible form is a water-granulated product of microcrystalline aggregates.

Chemical Name: 4-O-(b-D-Galactopyranosyl)-D-glucitol 

4-O-(b-D-Galactopyranosyl)-D-glucitol monohydrate 

4-O-(b-D-Galactopyranosyl)-D-glucitol dihydrate

Sweetening agent; tablet and capsule diluent; therapeutic agent.

• Lactitol is used as a noncariogenic replacement for sucrose.

• It is also used as a diluent in solid dosage forms.

• A direct-compression form is available as is a direct-compression blend of lactose and lactitol.

• Lactitol is also used therapeutically in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and as a laxative

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Lactitol is regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant substance. It is not fermented significantly in the mouth, and is not cariogenic. It is not absorbed in the small intestine, but is broken down by microflora in the large intestine, and is metabolized independently of insulin. In large doses it has a laxative effect; therapeutically, 10–20 g daily in a single oral dose is administered for this purpose

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection is recommended.

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