Lactulose is a drug to treat constipation or difficult bowel movements. This drug works by flowing fluid into the intestines, making stools softer and easier to pass.
Lactulose can also be used to treat and prevent hepatic encephalopathy, which is abnormalities in brain function and structure due to complications from liver disease. This medicine should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription.
Lactulose trademark:Constipen, Constuloz, Dulcolactol, Duphalac, Graphalac, Lacons, Lactofid, Lactulax, Lactulose, Opilax, Pralax
What is Lactulose
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Laxatives (laxatives) |
| Benefit | Overcoming constipation or constipation, as well as treating and preventing hepatic encephalopathy |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Lactulose for pregnant and lactating women | Category B:Studies in animal experiments have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether lactulose is absorbed into breast milk or not. For nursing mothers, do not use this medicine without consulting a doctor. |
| Drug form | Syrup |
Warning Before Taking Lactulose
Follow the doctor's advice and advice during treatment with lactulose. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take lactulose if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had diabetes, Crohn's disease, trouble digesting sugar (galactosemia), ulcerative colitis, or are on a low-galactose diet.
- Do not take lactulose at the same time as other laxatives.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking lactulose before having surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially antibiotics and antacids.
- Immediately consult a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after consuming lactulose.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Lactulose
The dose of lactulose can be different for each patient. The following are general doses of lactulose according to the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Constipation
- Mature: The initial dose is 15–45 ml per day, can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules. The maintenance dose is 15–30 ml per day, can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules.
- Children <1 year old: The initial and maintenance dose is 5 ml per day, can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules.
- Children aged 1–6 years: The initial and maintenance dose is 5-10 ml per day, can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules.
- Children aged 7–14 years: The initial dose is 15 ml per day, can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules. Maintenance dose 10-15 ml per day, can be divided into 1-2 consumption schedules.
Condition: Hepatic encephalopathy
- Mature: Dosage 30–45 ml, 3-4 times a day. Adjust the dose to make it easier to pass stool, at least 2-3 times a day.
How to Consume Lactulose Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before consuming lactulose. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Lactulose can be taken before or after meals. This medicine can also be mixed with juice, milk, or snacks. Usually, the effect of the drug will begin to feel after 1-2 days of taking the drug.
To take this medicine, use the measuring device provided on the medicine package or given by your doctor. Do not use other measuring devices or household spoons, because the dose may not be as prescribed.
If you forget to take lactulose, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store lactulose at room temperature and in a closed container away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Lactulose Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of drug interactions that may occur if lactulose is taken together with other medicines:
- Decreased therapeutic effect of lactulose when used with glutamine
- Enhanced effect of cardiac glycoside drugs
- Decreased effectiveness of lactulose when used with ulcer medications containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, as well as antibiotics, such as neomycin
- Increased risk of reduced blood potassium levels if taken with thiazides, corticosteroids, or amphotericin B
- Increased risk of severe side effects when used with other laxatives, such as glycerol
Side Effects and Dangers of Lactulose
Side effects that can appear after consuming lactulose are:
- Diarrhea
- bloating
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- stomach cramps
- Dehydration
- Hypokalemia
See a doctor if you experience any of the above side effects. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by symptoms such as swelling of the lips and eyelids, an itchy rash, or difficulty breathing after using lactulose.