Lactulose

Constipation, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hepatic Encephalopathy

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

16 Active Studies for Lactulose

Treatment for

Constipation

What is Lactulose

LactuloseThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryLactulose is a type of sugar derived from lactose that is commonly used as a laxative. It can also be used to treat a liver disorder called portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). Lactulose was first synthesized in 1929 and approved by the FDA in 1977. It is now available in both generic and brand-name versions and is listed on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is usually used after other lifestyle and dietary modifications fail to help with constipation. Lactulose may help to manage PSE but its effectiveness has not been clinically confirmed.

Lactuloseis the brand name

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Lactulose Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Lactulose

1966

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 Constipation .

Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)

Constipation

prophylaxis of Hepatic encephalopathy

Constipation

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Effectiveness

How Lactulose Affects PatientsLactulose is usually taken orally or rectally, and it stays in the digestive system and works mainly within the gut. Its primary effects are to increase the amount of stool and make it softer, which can lead to feeling bloated, burping, passing gas more often, and having diarrhea.

How Lactulose works in the bodyLactulose is a sugar that helps soften stools and increase their water content, making bowel movements more frequent. It also helps treat portal-systemic encephalopathy by acidifying the contents of the colon, which traps ammonia and prevents it from being absorbed back into the bloodstream. The acidity of the colon also kills bacteria that produce ammonia and helps other bacteria use up the trapped ammonia as a source of nitrogen. All of these effects help reduce the amount of excess ammonia in the body.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dosage of Lactulose is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and Hepatic Encephalopathy. The magnitude of dosage fluctuates as per the mode of delivery (e.g. Oral or Solution) detailed in the table underneath.

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

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

Warnings

Lactulose Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

low galactose diet

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Lactulose.

Common Lactulose 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.

Lactulose Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of lactulose in mice is 48.8 mL/kg and more than 30 mL/kg in rats. Overdosing on lactulose may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and should be treated with fluid and electrolyte replacement. Lactulose should only be used during pregnancy when necessary and with caution in nursing women. No evidence of fertility issues has been found in rats, mice, and rabbits. There is limited or no information on using lactulose in children or its long-term mutagenic or carcinogenic potential in humans.

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

25 active clinical trials are presently underway to assess the potential of Lactulose to ameliorate Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and Hepatic Encephalopathy.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Constipation

16 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Lactulose Reviews: What are patients saying about Lactulose?

5Patient Review

5/23/2021

Lactulose for Impaired Brain Function due to Liver Disease

Lactulose has been a godsend for me. It's solved my encephalitis issue and really cleansed my system thoroughly. I would likely be in an institution or have passed away if it weren't for this medication, coma or not.

5Patient Review

9/24/2016

Lactulose for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

Just two tablespoons of this product completely relieved my constipation within a day.

5Patient Review

5/5/2014

Lactulose for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

3.7Patient Review

9/8/2015

Lactulose for Impaired Brain Function due to Liver Disease

After years of constipation, I was finally recommended magnesium by a friend. It works like clockwork now; no more issues whatsoever!

3.7Patient Review

1/29/2018

Lactulose for High Amount of Ammonium in the Blood

I was prescribed this medication for my liver disease, which causes high levels of ammonia in my blood. This treatment also helped with my diarrhea-predominant IBS. It's a shame that it's so expensive because it's an effective treatment for two conditions.

View All Reviews

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Patient Q&A Section about lactulose

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

Is lactulose a laxative?

"Lactulose is a laxative made from lactose that is used to treat chronic constipation and to either treat or prevent hepatic encephalopathy or coma. These latter two conditions are disorders of the brain that can come about as a result of liver disease."

Answered by AI

Is lactulose a laxative or stool softener?

"This medication is a laxative that is used to treat constipation. It may help increase the number of bowel movements per 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 are the side effects of taking lactulose?

"Try to relax because tension makes tummy pain worse

The text is discussing different stomach problems and how to deal with them. Diarrhoea can be avoided by drinking lots of fluids. Bloating can be prevented by taking lactulose between meals. Wind can be reduced by avoiding foods that cause it. Feeling sick can be avoided by eating smaller meals. Being sick can be prevented by not eating for a while. Stomach pain can be reduced by relaxing."

Answered by AI

What is the best time to take lactulose?

"When is the best time to take lactulose?

Lactulose is typically administered twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Ideally, these times are divided by 10-12 hours, sometime between 7 and 8 am, for example, and between 7 and 8 pm."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Lactulose

Have you considered Lactulose clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Lactulose, we think they might fit your search criteria.

Have you considered Lactulose clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Lactulose, we think they might fit your search criteria.