| Brand Name | Kristalose, Duphalac |
| Generic Name | Lactulose |
| Drug Class | Osmotic Laxative |
| Availability | OTC |
| Manufacturer | AbbVie |
| Indications | Chronic Constipation |
| Type | Oral Solution |
| Doses | Oral: 15-30 mL once daily or as prescribed |
| Route | Oral |
| Side Effects | Bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea |
| Interactions | May enhance effects of lactulose-containing drugs; caution in diabetic patients |
| Overdose | Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, or symptoms of low blood potassium or low blood sodium (confusion, weakness, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling). |
| Missed Dose | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double doses. |
| Contraindications | Low galactose diet, intestinal obstruction. |
| Alternatives | Polyethylene glycol, Sorbitol, Magnesium hydroxide |
| Co-Pay Assistance Program | OTC |
| Patient Assistance Program | Not available |
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Lactulose has been used in the treatment of constipation and the maintenance of the low level of ammonia in the blood of liver disease patients.
Lactulose operates by absorbing water in the bowels that constitute the stools rendering them loose and causing bowel movements. It also aids in decreasing the volumes of blood ammonia, by entraping ammonia in the colon.
The side effects are bloating, gas, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. All of these are temporary side effects that would probably diminish as time goes by.
The lactulose most frequently used is in the liquid form, and these are taken orally. The dosage will be given depending on the severity of the constipation or liver disease and will be changed by your medical practitioner.
Yes, Lactulose has extensive applications in curing chronic constipation which softens the stool and make it normal.
The one which is reported to be safe in short-term during pregnancy is lactulose. You should never in any case take new medicine when you are pregnant without the consent of your health provider.
Then in case you miss a dose then you can get to do it when you remember unless you are close to taking the next dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Lactulose can be used concomitantly with the drugs that alter the electrolyte balance or drugs used when addressing liver diseases. That is the principle never to forget to report to your care provider about the drugs you are taking.
The lactulose would yield in 2448 hours. When one is handling the cases of chronic constipation, he or she can anticipate to get the best results within a few days.
Yes, Lactulose can be used in the treatment of the hepatic encephalopathy through the decrease of ammonia level in the blood that leads to avoiding the confusion and other symptoms of the nervous system.
