Lactulose Dosage, Interactions, Side Effects, How to Use

Home > Drug Prescribing Database > L > Lactulose


Lactulose Articles

Submit an Article...

We don't currently have any articles about Lactulose.

Lactulose Dosage, Interactions, Side Effects, How to Use Questions

Ask a Question...

long term effects of lactulose I have had problems with dryness of stool and have been prescribed (lactulose) has this got any long term effects on the digestive system i.e will I become dependent on it long term.also will it take over the running of the system that does that kind ... by john leonard in scotland, 03/25/2006

lactulose solution given by vet to treat 12 yr old cat My 12 yr. old feline was determined constipated and prescribed lactulose solution on 5/10/08.  She is now hiding under the bed all day and night and will not eat or drink.  Can the medication be causing this behavior?  She also is urina... by cookie graff in The Villages, Florida, 05/13/2008

dosage of Lactulose? Is there a dosage recommendation for end stage hepatic disease due to cirrhosis? by greg la mar jr. in Temecula, CA., 09/25/2006

lactulose use on atkins diet What effect does lactulose have on persons following the Atkins diet plan? Is lactulose a sugar? How many calories are there in a 30 mg dose? Thanks. by p, 03/22/2006

Feline and use of lactulose I have an elderly cat who started having problems passing stools. We had her hydrated and cleaned out once. After that we used lactulose daily as instructed. Now after only 12 weeks, she is weak and has lost alot of weight and Dr. thinks her liver is ... by Gretchen Kincer in georgia, 11/09/2005

Lactulose
Lactulose (Chronulac, Duphalac)
Lactulose
( LAK-tyou-lohs)
Pregnancy Category: B Acilac Cephulac Cholac Chronulac Constilac Constulose Duphalac Gen-Lac Enulose Evalose Heptalac Lactulax Laxilose PMS Lactulose (Rx)

Classification: Ammonia detoxicant, laxative

Action/Kinetics: A disaccharide containing both lactose and galactose; causes a decrease in the blood concentration of ammonia in clients suffering from portal-systemic encephalopathy. Due to bacteria-induced degradation of lactulose in the colon, resulting in an acid medium. Ammonia will then migrate from the blood to the colon to form ammonium ion, which is trapped and cannot be absorbed. A laxative action due to increased osmotic pressure from lactic, formic, and acetic acids then expels the trapped ammonium. The decrease in blood ammonia concentration improves the mental state, EEG tracing, and diet protein tolerance of clients. The increased osmotic pressure also results in a laxative effect, which may take up to 24 hr. Partly absorbed from the GI tract. Onset: 24-48 hr.

Uses: Prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, including hepatic and prehepatic coma (Cephylac, Cholac, Enulose, Evalose, Heptalac are used). Chronic constipation (Chronulac, Constilac, Duphalac are used).

Contraindications: Clients on galactose-restricted diets.

Special Concerns: Safe use during lactation and in children has not been established. Infants who have been given lactulose have developed hyponatremia and dehydration. Use with caution in presence of diabetes mellitus.

Side Effects: GI: N&V, diarrhea, cramps, flatulence, gaseous distention, belching.

Drug Interactions: Antacids / May inhibit the drop in pH of the colon required for lactulose activity Neomycin / May cause lactulose degradation R/T neomycin-induced in elimination of certain bacteria in the colon

How Supplied: Oral Solution: 10g/15 mL ; Syrup: 10 g/15 mL

Dosage
?Syrup, Oral Solution Encephalopathy.
Adults, initial: 30-45 mL (20-30 g) t.i.d.-q.i.d.; adjust q 2-3 days to obtain two or three soft stools daily. Long-term therapy may be required in portal-systemic encephalopathy; infants: 2.5-10 mL/day (1.6-6.6 g/day) in divided doses; older children and adolescents: 40-90 mL/day (26.6-60 g/day) in divided doses.
During acute episodes of constipation.
30-45 mL (20-30 g) q 1-2 hr to induce rapid initial laxation.
Chronic constipation.
Adults and children: 15-30 mL/day (10-20 g/day) as a single dose after breakfast (up to 60 mL/day may be required).