Lactulose – Generic Drug Info

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Lactulose

Osmotic purgatives

Generic drug information & available brands

EN বাং

AI Summary Generated by AI for informational purposes only

This is a sugar-based medicine that softens the stool and helps relieve constipation. It is also used to treat a serious liver-related brain problem. It is generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation.

Indications

Constipation (Chronic Constipation): In every case of chronic constipation, initial treatment should consist of a diet rich in fiber (vegetables, salads, fruits etc.) a generous amount of liquids and much physical exercise. Lactulose is only to be taken when these measures prove insufficient.

Intestinal flora disturbances:

In damaged to intestinal flora (e.g. following long-term antibiotic treatment)
Gall bladder diseases
Intestinal diseases (Colitis, Diverticulosis, Megacolon)

Increased blood ammonia levels (hyper ammoniemia in hepatopathy, portal-systemic encephalopathy)

Description

Lactulose is a hyperosmolar laxative which is used as an effective treatment approach for constipation. It is a non-absorbable disaccharide which draws water into the bowel; causes distention through fluid accumulation, thus promotes soft stool and accelerates bowel motion.

Pharmacology

Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide. Lactulose is metabolized in the colon by the saccharolytic bacteria, producing low molecular weight organic acids (mainly lactic acid), which lowers the pH of the colon contents, promote the retention of water by an osmotic effect; thus increasing peristaltic activity. Lactulose is minimally absorbed; therefore, the pharmacokinetics of the absorbed material are not relevant to the principal therapeutic action.

Dosage & Administration

Important:
Do not take any medication without a doctor's prescription. Self-medication can be dangerous.

In constipation ( chronic constipation):

Adults: Initially 3-6 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1½-6 tea-spoons daily
Children up to 14 years: Initially 3 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1-2 tea-spoons daily
Infants and toddlers: Initially 1-2 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1 tea-spoon daily

In damaged intestinal flora:

Adults: 1-2 tea-spoons daily
Children: 1 tea-spoon daily

For reduction of blood ammonia level:

Hyper-ammoniemia in hepatopathy: a maximum of 18-30 tea-spoons daily.
In portal systemic encephalopathy: hourly doses of 6-9 tea-spoons of Lactulose solution may be used to induce the rapid laxation. When the laxative effect has been achieved, the dose may then be reduced.

Interaction

There is no significant drug interactions with lactulose. The glycosidic effect of cardiac glycosides can be intensified by potassium deficiency in abuse.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to either galactose and or lactose; galactose-free diet, gastro-cardial symptom complex, suspected intestinal obstruction.

Side Effects

Occasionally flatulence, cramp and abdominal discomfort can occur at the beginning of treatment; this is rapidly eliminated by reducing the dose. Overdose can result in diarrhoea. In abuse, loss of electrolytes (primarily potassium).

Pregnancy & Lactation

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Lactulose is B. Studies show that Lactulose has no adverse effects. Decisions regarding use during pregnancy and lactation must be made by registered physician.

Precautions & Warnings

Lactulose should be administered with care to patients who are intolerant to lactulose. The dose used in the treatment of (pre) coma hepaticum is usually much higher and may need to be taken into consideration for diabetics.

Overdose Effects

There have been no reports of accidental overdosage. In the event of acute overdosage it is expected that diarrhoea and abdominal cramps would be the major symptoms.

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Chemical Structure

Molecular Formula :	C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁
Chemical Structure :

Common Questions about Lactulose

What is the use of Lactulose?

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that is used to treat constipation. This water helps in softening stools and reduces the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease.

At what frequency do I need to use Lactulose?

Consume once a day for treatment of constipation and three or four times a day for liver disease.

How long does it take for Lactulose to work?

It takes about 2-3 days to see the benefits of the treatment. Consult your doctor if you feel constipated even after 3 days of taking Lactulose.

What is Lactulose used for?

Lactulose is used to treat constipation which is presented as infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stools.

Is Lactulose a laxative?

Yes, Lactulose is a laxative which softens the stools by pulling in water from the body to the large intestine.

What are the side effects of taking Lactulose?

Side effects include diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Diarrhea and abdominal pain occur due to a high dose.

Is it okay to take Lactulose every day?

You should take Lactulose for as long as advised by your doctor. You may also take it for as long as constipation lasts, which may be up to a week.

Who should not be given Lactulose?

Lactulose should not be given to patients who are allergic to it or are intolerant to lactose (cannot process lactose).

What if I take more than the recommended dose of Lactulose?

Taking more than the recommended dose of this medication may cause abdominal pain, electrolyte imbalance and diarrhea, which may last for a couple of days.

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. All brands listed might have copyright or trademark of their respective owners. Listed information may not be up-to-date or accurate. We do not guarantee the availability, quality, price or safety of any medication. Use at your own risk.

Available Brands

50 found

Brand	Strength	Type	৳
Rewat Kumudini Pharma Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Serelose Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Sinalac Ibn Sina Pharmaceuticals Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Sivolac Sharif Pharmaceuticals Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Tonilax OSL Pharma Limited	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Tulac Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Tulos ACME Laboratories Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Veelac Albion Laboratories Limited	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Xylose Delta Pharma Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-
Zenilac Zenith Pharmaceuticals Ltd.	3.35 gm/5 ml	Oral Solution	-

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