What are the benefits of lactulose?
Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation. It is broken down in the colon into products that pull water out from the body and into the colon. This water softens stools. Lactulose is also used to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease.
Is lactulose good for your stomach?
Although chiefly used for medicinal purposes at medium and high doses for the treatment of constipation and HE, respectively, low-dose lactulose can also be used as a prebiotic to stimulate the growth of health-promoting bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or gut (1, 11).
Can I mix lactulose with apple juice?
If you are taking this medication by mouth for liver disease, take it usually 3-4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. To improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert.
What are disadvantages of lactulose?
Lactulose may produce gaseous distention with flatulence or belching and abdominal discomfort such as cramping in about 20% of patients. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhea with potential complications such as loss of fluids, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia. Nausea and vomiting have been reported.
Can I take lactulose every day?
You can take lactulose for as long as your constipation lasts, or for as long as your doctor has recommended. This will usually be for up to a week. For more severe constipation, and if you’re taking lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, your doctor may recommend that you take it for many months.
What is best time to take lactulose?
When should I give Lactulose The Lactulose is usually given twice each day. Give one dose in the morning and one in the evening. Ideally these times are 10–12 hours apart. For example, this could be between 7am and 8am and between 7pm and 8pm.
What are 3 side effects of lactulose?
Side effects of lactulose
- Diarrhoea. Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration.
- Bloating. Take lactulose between meals instead of before or after them.
- Wind (farting and burping)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Stomach pain.
What is the best time to take lactulose?
How to use lactulose oral. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily for constipation, or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the solution, to improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert.
What is the USP for lactulose solution?
Note: Some patients have found that lactulose solution may be more acceptable when mixed with fruit juice, water or milk. Lactulose Solution, USP 10 g/15 mL is available as follows: Lactulose solution contains lactulose 667 mg/mL (10 g/15mL).
What should I know about taking lactulose oral solution with antacids?
Do not take antacids at the same time as lactulose oral solution. Talk with your doctor. Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with lactulose oral solution. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure lactulose oral solution.
Does lactulose help with constipation?
This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation. It may help to increase the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days you have a bowel movement. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool.
What are the dangers of lactulose solution?
WARNINGS. A theoretical hazard may exist for patients being treated with lactulose solution who may be required to undergo electrocautery procedures during proctoscopy or colonoscopy. Accumulation of H 2 gas in significant concentration in the presence of an electrical spark may result in an explosive reaction.