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What is Constulose
LactuloseThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLactulose 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.
Lactuloseis the brand name
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 3 uses which include Hepatic Encephalopathy and Hepatic Encephalopathy .Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Constipation
Effectiveness
How Constulose Affects PatientsLactulose 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 bodyLactulose 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, Oral; Rectal, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Liquid - Oral; Rectal
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, Oral; Rectal, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Liquid - Oral; Rectal
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, Oral; Rectal, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Liquid - Oral; Rectal
Warnings
Constulose has two contraindications and should not be consumed in combination with the ailments listed in the following table.Constulose ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
low galactose diet
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
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 RiskThe 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
Constipation
38 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Constulose Reviews: What are patients saying about Constulose?
5Patient Review
10/15/2014 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.
5Patient Review
11/18/2021 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!
5Patient Review
12/23/2008 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.
4.3Patient Review
1/15/2010 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.
3.7Patient Review
10/22/2007 This medicine gives me a lot of bloating before it actually works. It's not as effective as I had hoped.
3.3Patient Review
11/24/2008 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.
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