Lactulose
Brand names
Cephulac, Chronulac, Constilac, Constipol, Correctol 10,Constulose, Duphalac Oral Solution, Enulose Oral Solution, Evalose Oral Solution, Generlac Oral Solution, Kristalose Oral Solution Medication
Side Effects
If you have a medical condition like kidney disease, diabetes, or an obstruction in your digestive tract, you shouldn't use lactulose. Before taking this medication, make sure to discuss all of your medical conditions with your doctor.
Lactulose use could result in negative side effects. These symptoms include nausea, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain. Call your doctor right away and stop taking lactulose if you experience any of these side effects.
When taken as prescribed, lactulose is a safe and efficient medication. When taking this medication, be sure to adhere to all of your doctor's instructions.
Pharmacokinetics
Lactulose is converted to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon by bacteria, which are then absorbed. Within 72 hours, 95% of an oral dose is excreted as SCFAs in the feces, while only 1% is eliminated in the urine.
Lactulose has a time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) of 0.5 to 2 hours.
Indications & Usage
Both the treatment of constipation and the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy are recommended for lactulose.
Dosage & Administration
The initial dose for constipation is 15 to 30 mL taken orally once daily, with the dosage increased as necessary to result in two or more soft stools per day.
The initial dose for hepatic encephalopathy is 15 to 30 mL taken orally three times a day, with adjustments as necessary to induce at least two soft stools.
Lactulose has a maximum recommended daily intake of 60 mL/day.
How to use?
Lactulose needs to be ingested, with or without food. Before each use, give the bottle a good shake.
Use the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper to measure the medication. Avoid using a regular spoon because it might not measure out the right amount.
Take this medication exactly as your doctor has advised. Never take it in amounts larger or smaller than advised or for a longer period of time.
Your physician might prescribe you a low dose of lactulose and then gradually increase it. Carefully adhere to your doctor's instructions.
Never take more of this medication than what is advised in a 24-hour period. There may be detrimental effects as a result.
Take this medication as directed by your doctor for the full amount of time. Before the condition is completely treated, your symptoms might get better.
Even if you feel well, keep taking this medication to prevent constipation. Without consulting your doctor, do not stop taking lactulose.
It is critical to take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor if you have hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose can assist in reducing blood ammonia levels, but it cannot treat this condition.
It might take a few days of taking lactulose for your symptoms to start getting better. If you feel fine, keep taking this medication. Without consulting your doctor, do not stop taking lactulose.
Your physician will inform you if you need to use lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy.
Other Uses
This section contains applications for this medication that are not covered by the approved professional labeling but may still be recommended by your healthcare provider. Only take this medication for a condition that is listed in this section if your doctor has prescribed it for that purpose. In order to clean the bowel by inducing watery stools, this medication may also be used prior to some medical procedures (such as sigmoidoscopy and barium enema). Additionally, it can be used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, which is marked by elevated blood ammonia levels.
Storage
Away from light and moisture, keep items at room temperature. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep children and pets away from all medications.
Avoid freezing. Lactulose that has been frozen should not be used.
Whenever lactulose runs out, dispose of any unused amounts. Drugs that have expired may be dangerous.