Lactulose SyrupWhat is it and what therapeutic applications does it have?
Lactulose is a type of sugar that converts into acid in the large intestine, which helps draw water into the intestine and softens the stool. Lactulose is used to treatconstipationchronic constipation and is sometimes used to treat or prevent specific conditions in the brain caused by liver failure, leading toheadachesmemory issues, behavioral changes, agitation, sleep problems, loss of body coordination, or loss of consciousness and tremors.
Important Information About Lactulose Syrup
- If you are allergic to sugar or milk sugar (lactulose), you should not use this medication.
- If youhave diabetesor have undergone any bowel-related tests such as a colonoscopy, inform your doctor before using lactulose.
- It may take up to 48 hours after taking this medication for your bowel to function. If youexperience severe diarrheacontact your doctor immediately.
- Lactulose syrup may be slightly darker in color but is harmless. If its color is much darker than normal or its texture differs significantly, do not use it.
- If you have been using lactulose for a long time, your doctor may want to perform ablood testso never delay your doctor’s appointment.
- This medication is very unlikely to harm afetusbut if you arepregnantor planning toget pregnantbe sure to inform your doctor.
- It is still unclear if this drug passes into breast milk and harms the baby, but if you are breastfeeding, definitely inform your doctor for guidance.
How Should Lactulose Medication Be Taken?
Follow your doctor’s prescription exactly. Never take more or less than the prescribed amount. Also, consider the instructions on the medicine’s label.
Measure lactulose syrup using the spoon or cup provided in the box. If none is included, be sure to get one from the pharmacy.
Lactulose powder must be mixed with at least 4 ounces of water; you can also use fruit juice for better taste.
Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
The Best Time to Take Lactulose
Taking this medication regularly and on time is essential for its effectiveness, so take it every day at the same time. If lactulose is prescribed forliver diseaseyou should see improvement about 2 hours after taking it, but if you’re using it for constipation, its effect may take 24 to even 48 hours.
If you miss a dose, what should you do?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but if it’s close to the time for your next dose, wait until it’s time and never double up.
If an overdose occurs, what should you do?
Overdose symptoms after taking this medication may include confusion,irregular heartbeat,severe thirst, excessive urination, discomfort and pain in the calves, muscle weakness, and limping which should prompt you to contact emergency services.
What activities should be avoided while taking this medication?
Avoid taking antacids without your doctor’s permission. Only take the antacid prescribed by your doctor since some may make it harder for lactulose to be absorbed.
Information About Dosing Lactulose Medication
The usual dose for chronic constipation in young adults:
15 milliliters to be taken orally once daily.
Usual dose for acute constipation:
An initial dose of 15 milliliters orally once daily. This treatment should continue until bowel function normalizes.
The usual dose for young individuals with brain and liver diseases:
Initial dose:30 milliliters taken orally three times daily, or 300 milliliters mixed with 700 milliliters of water.
Maintenance dose:30 to 45 milliliters taken orally three times daily.
The usual dose for children with brain and liver diseases:
Infants:1.7 to 6.7 grams per day, which is 2.5 to 10 milliliters orally daily divided into three to four doses.
If used as prescribed, you may likely have two to three soft stools during the day.
Children:26.7 to 60 grams daily, equivalent to 40 to 90 milligrams per day, taken orally and divided into three to four doses.
The usual dose for chronic constipation in children:
Children:0.7 to 2 grams per day, equivalent to one to three milliliters per day, and it is generally recommended not to increase this dosage.
Side Effects of Lactulose Medication
If you experience any symptoms ofallergysuch ashives,shortness of breath, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, consult a doctor.
As mentioned in SelMagz’s health section, some less risky side effects include:Bloating andstomachache
- diarrheanausea
- and vomiting
- Which medications interact with lactose?Inform your doctor about any medication you are taking, so he can adjust them if necessary, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, pain relievers, etc.
Never take lactulose without disclosing your current medications.
Additional Important Information
Always keep this medication out of reach of children.
Never offer it to someone with similar symptoms as yours.
- Treatment for Constipation
- Lactulose Syrup for Constipation
