What is Enulose
LactuloseThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLactulose is a sugar-based medication that is used to treat constipation and to help manage portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). It was first developed in 1929, but it wasn't until the 1960s that its use as a laxative was studied. Lactulose was approved by the FDA in 1977 and is now available in both generic and brand-name forms. It is listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, but its effectiveness in treating constipation and PSE is still unclear. Lactulose is usually prescribed after other lifestyle or dietary modifications have failed,
Lactuloseis the brand name
Enulose 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 Constipation .Hepatic Encephalopathy
Constipation
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Effectiveness
How Enulose Affects PatientsLactulose is most often taken by mouth or through the rectum, and does not get absorbed into the body. It works by increasing the amount of stool and making it softer. This can lead to an increase in bowel sounds, bloating, belching, flatulence, and diarrhea.
How Enulose works in the bodyLactulose is a sugar that helps to soften stool and increase the frequency of bowel movements. It also helps to rid the body of ammonia, which is a waste product of the body's metabolism. Lactulose is broken down by bacteria in the colon, which releases acids that create an acidic environment. This acidic environment helps to trap the ammonia in the colon, where it cannot be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. The bacteria also use the ammonia in the colon to make proteins. All of these actions help to reduce the amount of ammonia in the body and treat portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE).
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dosage of Enulose is contingent upon the identified illness, including Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and Hepatic Encephalopathy. The measure of dosage hinges on the method of administration (e.g. Oral or Solution) enumerated in the following table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hepatic Encephalopathy
2.0 mg/mg, 1.0 mg/mg, , 667.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 2000.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL
Oral, Solution, Oral; Rectal, Syrup, , Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Syrup - Oral, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder - Oral, Powder, Liquid - Oral
Constipation
2.0 mg/mg, 1.0 mg/mg, , 667.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 2000.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL
Oral, Solution, Oral; Rectal, Syrup, , Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Syrup - Oral, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder - Oral, Powder, Liquid - Oral
Hepatic Encephalopathy
2.0 mg/mg, 1.0 mg/mg, , 667.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 2000.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL
Oral, Solution, Oral; Rectal, Syrup, , Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Syrup - Oral, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder - Oral, Powder, Liquid - Oral
Warnings
Enulose has two contraindications and should not be taken simultaneously with the conditions listed in the following table.Enulose ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
low galactose diet
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Common Enulose 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.
Enulose Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lethal dose of lactulose in mice is 48.8mL/kg and more than 30mL/kg in rats. Overdosing on lactulose can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and should be treated with fluids and electrolytes. There is not enough information to know if lactulose is safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing, so it should only be used when necessary. Studies in animals have not shown any negative effects on fertility. There is limited information about the safety of using lactulose in children, and no information about its potential for causing mutations or cancer in humans.
Enulose Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Enulose?
25 active clinical trials are currently investigating the potential of Enulose to manage Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and other Hepatic Encephalopathy-related conditions.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Constipation
32 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 4, Not Applicable
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Enulose Reviews: What are patients saying about Enulose?
5Patient Review
4/27/2009 I had no issue with giving my daughter this medication, and it worked relatively quickly to help regulate her bowels. If you're struggling with constipation, I would recommend asking your health care provider about this treatment option.
5Patient Review
3/20/2009 I can always count on this treatment to help me. It's easy to take, which is great.
4.7Patient Review
9/23/2008 I had no issues with bowel movements while taking a low dose of this medication. However, I cannot speak to its efficacy in regards to brain function or liver disease.
4.3Patient Review
5/13/20084.3Patient Review
3/23/2009 This medication works great for me, except it makes my diahrea worse.
4Patient Review
9/24/2008 Unfortunately, this medicine did not help my child at all. If anything, it made the situation worse with added cramping and stomach pain. We also saw no improvement in bowel movements after 10 days of use. I would not recommend this to anyone else.
4Patient Review
12/4/2009 I've been taking enulose/lactose for 18 months now, and it's made a world of difference. If you're not feeling any effects, check with your doctor; I needed an increased dosage after a while to really see results. But trust me, it's worth sticking with the treatment!
3.7Patient Review
1/28/2009 I have hepatitis c and hemocromatosis. I was prescribed this to help with my high ammonia levels in my blood. Some of the side effects include gas, stomach cramps, excessive thirst, etc. I won't know if it's working until I get my blood work done in a week.
3Patient Review
12/26/2012 This product is great for dogs who are prone to joint pain. My pappion/maltese mix loves it and it has really helped him stay active.
2.3Patient Review
3/10/2014 The side effect of this drug, enulose, was unbearable for me. It caused continuous gas. I passed gas all the time without let up!
2.3Patient Review
8/3/2009 I found myself using the restroom more often than usual when taking this medication.
2.3Patient Review
8/8/20082.3Patient Review
11/7/2008 Enulose is dependable and gentle; however, the taste is really quite off-putting. It's also given me a lot of gas.
2Patient Review
9/17/2008 I experienced significant bloating every day while taking Enulose, to the point where I had to stop. It's just not worth it when there are other options out there that don't have such severe side effects.
1.7Patient Review
12/14/2008 Enulose is an effective constipation solution for me as a quadriplegic, but it unfortunately comes with some uncomfortable side effects like cramping and gas. Dulcolax suppositories have also been prescribed to me by my physician.
Patient Q&A Section about enulose
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is Enulose used for?
"This drug is used to treat or prevent complications of liver disease by decreasing the amount of ammonia in the blood."
Answered by AI
What is Enulose made of?
"Lactulose is a colonic acidifier for the treatment and prevention of portal-systemic encephalopathy. It is a solution that contains 15 mL of lactulose, 10 g of galactose, less than 1.2 g of lactose, and 0.1 g or less of fructose."
Answered by AI
Is lactulose and Enulose the same thing?
"Lactulose is a medication used to treat constipation. It is available in generic form and under the brand names Enulose, Kristalose, Constulose, and Generlac."
Answered by AI
Is Enulose good for constipation?
"It is a lactose derivative with a neutral taste.
Lactulose is a medication used to treat constipation and liver disease. It is a synthetic disaccharide, usually in solution form, that is taken orally or rectally. It is a lactose derivative, meaning it is derived from milk, and has a neutral taste. Some common side effects of lactulose include abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence."
Answered by AI