Lactulose

Lactulose is used to treat chronic constipation.

Lactulose is sometimes used to treat or prevent certain brain conditions caused by liver failure. These conditions can cause confusion, memory or thinking problems, behavior changes, tremors, irritability, sleep issues, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness.

Lactulose may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Mix lactulose powder with at least 4 ounces of water, milk, or fruit juice.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Lactulose should produce a bowel movement within 24 to 48 hours.

If you use lactulose long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned colonoscopy or proctoscopy procedure.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Avoid freezing.

The liquid may turn darker in color, but this will not affect the medicine. Do not use the medicine if it becomes very dark or gets thicker or thinner in texture.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have allergies.

You do not use lactulose if you are on a special diet low in galactose (milk sugar).

Inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes; or
• if you need to have any type of intestinal test using a scope (such as a colonoscopy).

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using lactulose and call your doctor right away if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea.

Common side effects of lactulose may include:

• bloating, gas;
• stomach pain;
• diarrhea; or
• nausea, vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation -- Chronic:

15 mL orally once a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation -- Acute:

Initial dose: 15 mL orally once a day. Therapy should be continued until normal bowel function resumes.

Usual Adult Dose for Hepatic Encephalopathy:

Initial dose: 30 mL orally 3 times a day or 300 mL in 700 mL water or normal saline as an enema retained for 30 to 60 minutes every 4 to 6 hours.Maintenance dose: 30 to 45 mL orally 3 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hepatic Encephalopathy:

Infants: 1.7 to 6.7 g/day (2.5 to 10 mL) orally daily divided in 3 to 4 doses. Adjust dosage to produce 2 to 3 soft stools per day.Children: 26.7 to 60 g/day (40 to 90 mL) orally daily divided in 3 to 4 doses. Adjust dosage to produce 2 to 3 soft stools per day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation -- Chronic:

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

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Taking too much may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, or symptoms of low blood potassium or low blood sodium (confusion, weakness, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

Ask your doctor before taking any other laxatives or an antacid, and take only the type your doctor recommends.

Other drugs may affect lactulose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.