Lactulose

Laxative · Osmotic laxative

Indications

Constipation. Hepatic encephalopathy.

Dosage

Constipation: Adults: Initially 15 mL twice daily. Children: Under 1 yr, 2.5 mL; 1-4 yr, 5 mL; 5-10 yr, 10 mL. All twice daily. Encephalopathy: Adults: Initially 30-50 mL three times daily; adjust dose to produce 2 or 3 soft stools daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Flatulence, meteorism, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Galactosaemia, intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory bowel disease, undiagnosed abdominal pain. Precautions: Lactose intolerance, Roemheld syndrome.

Interactions

Thiazides, steroids, aminosalicylates, amphotericin B.

Advice to Patient

Take with meals or dilute with juice, milk or water to reduce sweet taste. Contact prescriber if severe diarrhoea or abdominal cramping occurs. Diarrhea may indicate overdose. Do not take other laxatives during therapy. Do not use if abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are present. Increase fiber and fluid intake and exercise regularly to reduce constipation. Diabetic patients should check blood glucose level often and report hyperglycemia.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: Constipation: Up to 24-48 hrs to produce a normal bowel movement. Encephalopathy: At least 24-48 hrs. Absorption: Poor. Metabolism: Via colonic flora. Excretion: Primarily faeces, urine (=3%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Aculac
• Amsonex
• Apholac
• B-Lact
• Bertolac
• Bilagol
• Brylax
• Consilac
• Constilac
• Dapac
• Day Soft
• Dubalac
• Duphalac
• Ez-Flow
• Factulose

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.