Generlac

Constipation, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hepatic Encephalopathy

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

17 Active Studies for Generlac

What is Generlac

Lactulose

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Lactulose is a type of sugar used to treat constipation and portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). It was first created in 1929, but only began being used as a laxative in the 1960s. It was officially approved by the FDA in 1977 and is now a widely available generic and brand-name non-prescription medication. There is limited data on the effectiveness of lactulose for treating constipation and PSE, as it is usually only used when other dietary and lifestyle modifications have failed.

Lactulose

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Generlac 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 Generlac Affects Patients

Lactulose is usually taken orally or rectally and stays in the gastrointestinal tract. It works by increasing the amount and softening of stool, which can cause more frequent bowel sounds, feeling bloated, belching, passing gas, and diarrhea.

How Generlac works in the body

Lactulose is a medication used to treat constipation and portal-systemic encephalopathy. It is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, which produces acids that increase water content in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. This process also results in an acidic environment in the colon which helps to trap and remove excess ammonia in the body that can be a cause of encephalopathy. Additionally, it also reduces the number of bacteria that produce ammonia in the colon. All of these effects work together to help improve bowel movements and reduce levels of ammonia in the body.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Generlac is contingent upon the determined affliction, including Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and Hepatic Encephalopathy. The degree of dosage is subject to the approach of delivery (e.g. Oral or Solution) as described in the table below.

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

Warnings

Generlac has two counter-indications, so it should not be used when suffering from the conditions indicated in the following table.

Generlac Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

low galactose diet

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Generlac.

Common Generlac 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.

Generlac Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of lactulose in mice is 48.8 mL/kg and more than 30 mL/kg in rats. Overdosing can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, both of which should be treated with fluids and electrolytes. Because the safety of using lactulose during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown, it should only be used if absolutely necessary. Studies in animals have not shown any effects on fertility. The safety and effectiveness of lactulose in children is limited or not yet known. There is no information about the long-term effects of lactulose on animals or humans.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

25 active trials are examining the potential of Generlac to ameliorate Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and other related conditions.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Constipation

16 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Generlac Reviews: What are patients saying about Generlac?

5

Patient Review

9/6/2012

Generlac for High Amount of Ammonium in the Blood

I've been taking a combination of morphine, ms-contin, oxycodone for going on 20 years now. I take 1 tablespoon and in 24 hours or less it works. This treatment is wonderful and has allowed me to eat again without struggling.

5

Patient Review

10/20/2010

Generlac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I started taking this treatment three weeks ago as directed by my doctor. I have been constipated since starting it and called the doctor today. They told me to keep taking it for another day or two. I would not recommend this medication to anyone based on my experience so far.

5

Patient Review

7/27/2009

Generlac for Impaired Brain Function due to Liver Disease

3.7

Patient Review

8/22/2015

Generlac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

This medication helped to an extent with my stomach issues and bowel leakage. However, if I ever missed a dose, I would be up all night.

3.7

Patient Review

7/14/2010

Generlac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

2.7

Patient Review

5/2/2011

Generlac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

My mom, who is 87, started having shortness of breath and weakness in her arms and legs. We began giving her this medication to lower her ammonium levels; they were at 128, but have lowered to 77 and then 66. However, she still needs to get them down to 32.

2.7

Patient Review

11/6/2012

Generlac for High Amount of Ammonium in the Blood

I tried this for a few weeks in early March, but the gas and bloating it caused was too much. It only worked sometimes, so I decided to go back to my fiber-filled food instead.

2.7

Patient Review

9/17/2010

Generlac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

This medication caused a lot of gas and bloating. I had several bowel movements each time I took it, but they were large and quick. The upside is that it helped remove ammonia from my brain.

1.3

Patient Review

8/15/2016

Generlac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I've had bloating and stomach pain since taking this, with no significant relief.

1

Patient Review

11/12/2008

Generlac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

1

Patient Review

2/14/2016

Generlac for High Amount of Ammonium in the Blood

After taking just two doses of this drug as prescribed by my doctor, I had an incredibly unpleasant experience last night. This medication is essentially a hyper-osmotic laxative, and should be avoided if at all possible.

Patient Q&A Section about generlac

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

Is Generlac and lactulose the same?

"A brand-name drug called Generlac is used to treat or prevent certain brain or mental problems caused by liver disease. It may be taken orally or rectally. A generic version of Generlac called Lactulose has been approved by the FDA."

Answered by AI

What is the drug lactulose used for?

"Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that pulls water out of the body and into the colon, softening stools. It is used to treat constipation and reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease."

Answered by AI

What is Generlac solution 10g 15ml?

"This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation. It may help increase the number of bowel movements you have each day, as well as the number of days you have a bowel movement. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool. It is a man-made sugar solution."

Answered by AI

What is Generlac used for?

"This drug is taken orally or rectally to treat or prevent liver disease complications (hepatic encephalopathy). It does not cure the problem, but may help improve mental status. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by decreasing the amount of ammonia in the bloodstream."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Generlac

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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 Generlac clinical trials?

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

Have you considered Generlac clinical trials?

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