Lactulose: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Lactulose?

What is Lactulose for?

Lactulose is a laxative that is used to treat constipation. Maybe it can increase your bowel movements per day or increase the number of days you have a bowel movement. Lactulose is a large intestinal acid that works by increasing the water content of the stool and softening the stool. Lactulose is an artificial sugar liquid.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this medication that are not listed on labels approved by professionals, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed in this section if only it has been prescribed by your healthcare professional.

This drug is also used to treat or prevent complications of liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy).

How to use Lactulose?

Use by mouth, usually once a day for constipation, or as recommended by your doctor. If you are using a liquid product, to enhance the taste, it can be mixed with fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert. If you are using packaged crystals, dissolve the contents of the package in half a glass of water (4 oz or 120 ml), or as recommended by your doctor.

Use this remedy regularly for best results. Remember to eat it at the same time every day. Dosage is based on health condition and response to therapy.

It may take up to 48 hours for you to feel like having a bowel movement. Contact your doctor if the condition does not change or gets worse.

How to store Lactulose?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rules for Use of Lactulose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for Lactulose for adults?

15 ml orally once a day.

Initial dose: 15 ml orally once a day. Therapy should be continued until the bowel movements return to normal.

Initial dose: 30 ml orally three times a day or

300 ml in 700 ml of water or normal saline as an enema is given every 30 to 60 minutes every 4-6 hours.

Maintenance dose: 30 to 45 ml orally three times a day

What is the dosage of Lactulose for children?

Infants: 1.7 to 6.7 g / day (2.5 to 10 ml) orally per day in 3 to 4 divided doses. Adjust dosage until there are 2-3 soft stools per day.

Children: 1.7 to 6.7 g / day (40-90 ml) orally per day in 3-4 divided doses. Adjust dosage until there are 2-3 soft stools per day.

Children: 0.7 to 2 g / kg / day (1 to 3 ml / kg / day) orally in divided doses per day; it is generally not recommended to exceed the maximum adult dose of 40 g / day (60 ml / day).

In what dosage is Lactulose available?

Solution 10 g lactulose / 15 ml

Lactulose Dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to Lactulose?

If you experience an allergic reaction to this medicine, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using lactulose and call your doctor immediately if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea.

Mild side effects can include:

• Bloating, gas
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Nauseous vomit

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Lactulose side effects

What should be known before using Lactulose?

Pay attention to the following, before you use lactulose:

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to lactulose or other drugs
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, especially antacids, antibiotics including neomycin (mycifradin), and other laxatives.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or need a low-lactose diet
• If you are having surgery or tests on your colon or rectum, tell your doctor that you are taking lactulose

Is Lactulose safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = Maybe risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

It is not known if lactulose will pass out with breast milk or if it could harm a breastfed baby. Do not use this medication without your doctor's knowledge if you are breastfeeding.

Lactulose Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with lactulose?

Drug interactions can change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. This document does not include all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with lactulose?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

• Ethanol

What health conditions can interact with Lactulose?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Appendicitis (or signs of appendicitis)
• Bleeding in the rectum for unknown reasons — this condition requires immediate medical attention
• Colostomy
• Bowel obstruction
• Ileostomy — the use of laxatives can cause other problems if this condition is present
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus - diabetic patients should be careful because some laxatives are high in sugar, such as dextrose, galactose, and / or sucrose
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure — some laxatives are high in sodium, which can make this condition worse
• Kidney disease — magnesium and potassium (contained in some laxatives) can build up in the body when kidney disease is present; serious conditions can occur
• Difficulty swallowing — mineral oil cannot be used because it can accidentally enter the lungs and cause pneumonia; also large laxatives may become lodged in the esophagus in patients with difficulty swallowing

Lactulose Drug Interactions

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.