Constulose

Constipation, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hepatic Encephalopathy

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

17 Active Studies for Constulose

What is Constulose

Lactulose

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation and portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). It was developed in 1929, but its use as a laxative wasn’t discovered until the 1960s. It was approved by the FDA in 1977 and is now available without a prescription. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines as one of the most effective and safe medicines. While it is an option for treating constipation, it is not clear how effective it is for treating PSE, since it is unethical to withhold it from patients in a placebo study.

Lactulose

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Constulose Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Lactulose

Lactulose

1966

63

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Lactulose, also known as Lactulose, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses which include Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) and prophylaxis of Hepatic encephalopathy .

Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)

prophylaxis of Hepatic encephalopathy

Constipation

Constipation

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Effectiveness

How Constulose Affects Patients

Lactulose is most often taken as a pill or enema. It doesn't absorb into the body, so it stays in the gut and produces its effects there. The main effects are increased stool amounts and softer stools, which can cause bloatedness, belching, frequent passing of gas, and diarrhea.

How Constulose works in the body

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that helps with constipation and portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). When it is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, it creates organic acids and small amounts of formic and acetic acids. These acids increase the water content in your stool, making it softer. This laxative effect usually takes 24 to 48 hours to become apparent. At the same time, it also makes the colon more acidic, which helps to treat PSE. This acidic environment prevents ammonia from being absorbed back into the body. It also kills off bacteria that produce ammonia, which further reduces the amount of

When to interrupt dosage

The advised dosage of Constulose is contingent upon the recognized malady, for example, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and Hepatic Encephalopathy. The measure of dosage changes as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Solution) delineated in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Constipation

, 1000.0 mg/mL, 2000.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 667.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg

, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Syrup, Liquid - Oral

Hepatic Encephalopathy

, 1000.0 mg/mL, 2000.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 667.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg

, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Syrup, Liquid - Oral

Hepatic Encephalopathy

, 1000.0 mg/mL, 2000.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 667.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg

, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Syrup, Liquid - Oral

Warnings

Constulose has two contraindications and should not be consumed in combination with the ailments listed in the following table.

Constulose Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

low galactose diet

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Constulose.

Common Constulose Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Alloin

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Alloin.

Bisacodyl

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Bisacodyl.

Bisoxatin

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Bisoxatin.

Calcium polycarbophil

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Calcium polycarbophil.

Carboxymethylcellulose

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Carboxymethylcellulose.

Constulose Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of lactulose for mice has been found to be 48.8 mL/kg and more than 30 mL/kg in rats. Taking too much lactulose may cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, so it is important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Although there is no evidence that lactulose affects fertility in animals, it has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so use with caution. There is also limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of lactulose in children. The long-term effects of lactulose on mutagenic potential or cancer risk in humans are unknown.

Constulose Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Constulose?

25 active clinical trials are currently being conducted to assess the potential of Constulose to mitigate Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and related conditions.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Constipation

17 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Constulose Reviews: What are patients saying about Constulose?

5

Patient Review

10/15/2014

Constulose for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

This treatment has been very effective for me. I take it because I'm on narcotic pain medication, and it's helped my liver problems a lot. It tastes good and I use it with magnesium sulfate. I drink one gallon of water per day to keep everything working correctly, and I'm really happy with the results.

5

Patient Review

11/18/2021

Constulose for High Amount of Ammonium in the Blood

After my gallbladder removal, I was really struggling. So I spoke with my doctor and he prescribed me this medication. He said to not eat for 24 hours and drink lots of water, and take the medicine every two hours. And after just the second dose, I was feeling so much better!

5

Patient Review

12/23/2008

Constulose for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

This medication has helped me a lot, though I have noticed some increased gas pains. I will continue to use it as my doctor suggests.

4.3

Patient Review

1/15/2010

Constulose for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

Lactulose has been extremely effective for my five-year-old twins. They have a bowel movement at least once or twice daily, and their stools are neither hard nor mushy. I highly recommend that people suffering from similar problems ask their doctor about this treatment option.

3.7

Patient Review

10/22/2007

Constulose for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

This medicine gives me a lot of bloating before it actually works. It's not as effective as I had hoped.

3.3

Patient Review

11/24/2008

Constulose for Impaired Brain Function due to Liver Disease

I'm grateful that this medicine exists- it saved my life. I was in complete liver failure in 2002 and, as of 2008, I'm still here.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about constulose

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the difference between lactulose and Constulose?

"Constulose is a solution which helps to make the colon more acidic and promote laxation, indicated for the treatment of constipation."

Answered by AI

How long do you take Constulose?

"You should take 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) of lactulose every day. The dose may be increased to 60 mL every day if necessary. You may need to wait 24-48 hours to see results."

Answered by AI

What are side effects of lactulose?

"Lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest to help ease the pain.

Drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration, take lactulose between meals, lie on your side and bring your knees up to help ease stomach pain."

Answered by AI

What is Constulose used for?

"Lactulose is a medication that is used as a laxative to treat constipation. It may help to increase the number of bowel movements per day, as well as the number of days you have a bowel movement. Lactulose works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool, which makes it easier to pass."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Constulose

Have you considered Constulose clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Constulose, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

Pelvic Health Rehabilitation for Breast and Gynecologic Cancer

18+
Female
Edmonton, Canada

The GYVE study aims at testing an online program (eModule) to help people who have had breast or gynecologic cancer and are experiencing pelvic health issues like urinary incontinence and pain during sex. These cancers and their treatments can cause significant pelvic health problems, affecting daily life and quality of life. Physiotherapy can help, but access is often limited due to costs and other barriers. The study will involve 20 participants from Quebec and Edmonton, who will take part in a 12-week program with weekly online group sessions led by a physiotherapist. Topics include pelvic floor muscle training, use of vaginal moisturizers, hydration, diet, and pain management. Led by experts in cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health, the study aims to provide valuable information on the feasibility and effectiveness of the eModule, potentially leading to broader implementation to help more people with lived experience of cancer.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

University of Alberta (+1 Sites)

Have you considered Constulose clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Constulose, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Constulose clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Constulose, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials