What is Lactulose?
Lactulose can be used to treat chronic constipation. Lactulose can be utilized to manage or stop certain diseases of the brain that are caused by liver dysfunction. These conditions can cause confusion, memory problems or thinking problems, behavioral changes and tremors, feelings of anger or sleepiness, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness. Lactulose can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Lactulose
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Stop taking lactulose and contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from chronic or persistent diarrhea that is persistent or severe.
Common negative side effects of lactulose include:
- Bloating, gas.
- Stomach pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea, vomiting.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Take only according to the directions. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medications or suffer from any other medical condition or allergies.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use lactulose when you are following an individualized diet that is low in galactose (milk sugar).
Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:
- Diabetes.
- If you are required to undergo any kind of test for your intestinal tract with an instrument (such as a colonoscopy).
Consult a medicare if you are into nursing or pregnant.
How to take Lactulose?
Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Follow the medication precisely as directed. Mix lactulose powder in four ounces of milk, water, or juice from a fruit.
Use the measuring device supplied (not an ordinary spoon). Lactulose is believed to cause an intestinal movement within 24 to 48 hours. If you have been using lactulose for a long time, it is possible that you will require frequent medical tests. Inform your doctor whether you are planning a surgery such as a colonoscopy or proctoscopy. Close the storage tightly to room temperature and away from heat and moisture. Beware of freezing. The liquid could change color, but it will not impact the medication. Don't use the medicine in the event that it becomes extremely dark or more or less granular in texture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation—Chronic:
15 mL of water orally every day.
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation—Acute:
Initial dose: 15 mL every day orally. The treatment should continue until normal bowel function returns.
Usual Adult Dose for Hepatic Encephalopathy:
Initial dosage: 30 milliliters orally three times a day, or
300 mL in 700 mL of normal saline or water as an enema to be retained for 30 to 60 minutes per 4 to 6 hours.
Maintenance dosage: 30 to 40 mg orally three times a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hepatic Encephalopathy:
Children: 1.7 to 6.7 grams per day (2.5 to 10 milliliters) taken orally every day, divided into three to four doses. The dosage should be adjusted to produce two to three soft stools every day.
Kids: 26.7 to 60 g/day (40 to 90 milliliters) orally daily, divided into three to four doses. Make adjustments to the dosage so that it produces between 2 and 3 soft stools every day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation—Chronic:
For children: 0.7 to 2 g/kg/day (1 to 3 milliliters/kg/day) orally, in doses divided every day; generally advised not to exceed the adult dosage of 40 grams/day (60 mg/day).
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. The overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. signs that indicate low potassium levels or low sodium in the blood (confusion and constipation, weakness and irregular heartbeats, the chest fluttering, more frequent urination or thirst, numbness or tingling in the muscles, becoming weak or limp).
What should be avoided?
Consult your physician before using any other laxative or an antacid. Take only the one recommended by your physician.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications may interact with Lactulose, including prescription medications as well as other over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician all other medicines you are taking.
