Lactulose

Laxative | Constipation Relief Medication

⚠ī¸ Important Safety Information

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

What is Lactulose?

Lactulose is non-absorbable disaccharide (a sugar made up of two units; galactose and fructose). It is drug under class of laxatives, widely used to treat constipation.

How lactulose works?

Lactulose is synthetic sugar which does not digest in intestine. It hydrolyzed in colon to form short chain fatty acids. This leads to increased colonic movement, by drawing more water in lumen of colon. This forward movement of colon carries feces along and throws out of body, relieving constipation.

Uses:

  • Constipation
  • Cleaning of intestines before gut surgery
  • Treatment of Hepatic encephalopathy

Dosage:

  • Adults: 15 to 30 ml of syrup taken at night before bed. It can be increased with the further assessment by doctor.

Safety precautions:

  • Alcohol: consuming lactulose syrup with alcohol dose not cause any harmful effects.
  • Pregnancy: lactulose syrup can be used safely in pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding: lactulose syrup can be used safely during breastfeeding.
  • Kidney: safe to use in patients with kidney diseases.
  • Liver: safe if prescribed in patients with liver disease.

Quick tips from experts:

  • Some lifestyle measures to prevent constipation:
    Eat adequate fiber in your diet (20-35 gm per day).
    Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
  • Exercise for atleast 30 minutes everyday.
  • Take Lactulose syrup preferably at bedtime. It requires 6 to 8 hours to show effect.
  • Do not take for more than 2 weeks. Always take expert advice.
  • Inform your doctor if you have history of stomach disorders like appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease.

Drug Interactions:

  • With other laxatives: combining lactulose with other constipation relieving medications can cause diarrhoea and electrolyte imbalance.
  • With antacids: some non-absorbable antacids contains magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate. This causes interference with lactulose's action by decrease in colonic pH that is necessary for lactulose to work efficiently.

đŸ“Ļ Storage

  • Store at room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C)
  • Keep in original container, tightly closed
  • Protect from moisture and light

📚 Resources

  • 1] Brunton LL, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2023.
  • 2] Katzung BG, Vanderah TW. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2024.