Lactulose (14 brand names, 2 dosage forms, 2 routes)
Available dosage forms: SOLUTION, FOR SOLUTION.
Routes of administration: ORAL, ORAL, RECTAL.
Brand Names
- ACILAC
- CEPHULAC
- CHOLAC
- CHRONULAC
- CONSTILAC
- CONSTULOSE
- DUPHALAC
- ENULOSE
- EVALOSE
- GENERLAC
- HEPTALAC
- LACTULOSE
- LAXILOSE
- PORTALAC
Indications and Usage
Lactulose for Oral Solution is indicated for the treatment of constipation. In patients with a history of chronic constipation, lactulose therapy increases the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days on which bowel movements occur.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dosage is 10 g to 20 g of lactulose daily. The dose may be increased to 40 g daily if necessary. Twenty-four to 48 hours may be required to produce a normal bowel movement.
Contraindications
Since Lactulose for Oral Solution contains galactose (less than 0.3 g/10 g as a total sum with lactose), it is contraindicated in patients who require a low galactose diet.
Adverse Reactions
Precise frequency data are not available. Initial dosing may produce flatulence and intestinal cramps, which are usually transient. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhea with potential complications such as loss of fluids, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia. Nausea and vomiting have been reported.
Drug Interactions
Results of preliminary studies in humans and rats suggest that nonabsorbable antacids given concurrently with lactulose may inhibit the desired lactulose-induced drop in colonic pH. Therefore, a possible lack of desired effect of treatment should be taken into consideration before such drugs are given concomitantly with lactulose.