Lactulose

For the treatment of constipation, the usual starting dose is 15 mL to 30 mL once daily. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 60 mL once daily. Remember that lactulose takes 24 to 48 hours for results in most cases. This product should not be used if it has only been a day or two since your last bowel movement. Laxatives should not be used for more than one week unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you are still bothered by constipation after one week of using this product, call your doctor.

For the treatment of encephalopathy, the usual adult dose is 30 mL to 45 mL taken 3 or 4 times daily. The dose in infants ranges from 2.5 mL to 10 mL daily in divided doses. The dose in children ranges from 40 mL to 90 mL daily in divided doses. After 1 to 2 days the dose may be adjusted to an amount required to result in 2 or 3 soft stools daily. In infants and children, if the starting dose results in Diarrhea or if the diarrhea persists, contact your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Lactulose exactly as suggested by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Lactulose at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause stomach ache and cramps; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause gas and bloating; it may cause nausea and vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each mL of colourless to yellow, orange-flavoured syrup contains 667 mg of lactulose. Nonmedicinal ingredients: natural orange flavour, galactose, lactose, fructose and epilactose. Available in bottles of 15 mL, 30 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL and 1 L.

Do not take lactulose if you:

• are allergic to lactulose or any ingredients of the medication
• require a low galactose diet

There may be an interaction between lactulose and any of the following:

• aluminum hydroxide
• magnesium hydroxide
• other laxatives

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Lactulose. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lactulose.

Diabetes: People with diabetes may experience loss of glucose control when they use lactulose. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Lactulose may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lactulose, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Signs and symptoms: Lactulose should not be used in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea, Fever, or vomiting.

Pregnancy: Lactulose should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Lactulose, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if lactulose passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lactulose, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Infants and children receiving Lactulose are at risk of dehydration.

Seniors: People over the age of 65 years may be more at risk of dehydration and changes in electrolytes from Lactulose.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. To ensure exact dosage, measure each dose with an accurate measuring device. This medication may be taken with or without food. It is recommended to drink plenty of water while using this medication.