What is Lactulose Solution?
Lactulose oral solution is a prescription drug which is available as the brand name drug called Enulose and Generlac. This is also available as a generic drug. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide, a form of sugar that is broken down into mild acids in the large intestine that draws water into the colon, helping to soften the stools.
For the treatment of chronic constipation, the lactulose solution is used. Lactulose solution is sometimes used to treat or avoid liver disease complications.
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Get A Second OpinionLactulose Solution Uses
- Lactulose is used orally or rectally to manage complications of liver disease, specifically hepatic encephalopathy.
- It helps improve mental function by reducing ammonia levels in the blood.
- Lactulose functions as a colonic acidifier, lowering ammonia absorption by increasing colon acidity.
Derived from synthetic sugars, it is available as an oral solution primarily for treating constipation. Additionally, it is used in the management of portal-systemic encephalopathy, a brain condition linked to severe liver disease.
Lactulose Solution Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Lactulose Solution are:
Some of the serious side effects of Lactulose Solution are:
- Severe diarrhea
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Irregular Heartbeat
Precautions
Before using Lactulose Solution talk with your doctor if you are having any allergies or some other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious problems or some other serious problems.
The medication should not be used if you are having any serious medical condition such as Low galactose diet, bowel obstruction and diabetes.
How to take Lactulose Solution?
- Typically, if you take this medicine orally for liver disease, take it 3-4 times a day or as instructed by your doctor.
- You may blend it into fruit juice, wine, milk, or a soft dessert to enhance the flavour.
- Per day, the objective is to have 2-3 soft stools.
- The dose depends on the medical condition and your reaction to treatment (i.e., the number of soft stools each day).
If you are taking this drug by mouth for constipation, you can generally take it once a day or as recommended by your doctor. It is also possible to administer this drug rectally as an enema for liver disease. Mix 700 milliliters (24 ounces) of water or regular saline into the prescribed amount of lactulose.
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Book an AppointmentForms and strengths
- Brand: Generlac
- Form: oral solution
- Strengths: 10 g/15 mL
- Generic: Lactulose
- Form: oral solution
- Strengths: 10 g/15 mL
- Brand: Enulose
- Form: oral solution
- Strengths: 10 g/15 mL
Dosage
Dosage for Constipation
- Typical dosage: 1-2 tablespoons once per day
- Dosage for Portal-systemic encephalopathy (Liver Disease)
- Typical dosage: 2-3 tablespoons for three to four times a day
Missed Dose
Don't worry, if you forget a dose of lactulose, just take the next dose at the normal time. Avoid taking 2 doses at the same timing. If you miss a dose don’t take any extra dose for it.
If your doctor has told you to take lactulose on a regular basis and you sometimes forget your doses, setting an alarm to remind you of this can help. You can also ask for advice from your pharmacist on other ways to help you remember to take your medication.
Overdose
Taking an extra dose of lactulose can unlikely hurt you. You may get indigestion and stomach pain, but within a day or two, this should ease away. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance if you're concerned.
How does Lactulose Solution work?
Lactulose belongs to a drug class known as laxatives. A community of medicines that function in a similar way is a class of drugs. For the treatment of related conditions, these medications are also used. Lactulose is a (man-made) synthetic sugar. In the large intestine, it breaks down and then pulls water into the intestine. This softens the stool, helping to alleviate constipation.
Lactulose is also used in the treatment of elevated blood levels of ammonia due to liver disease. Portal-systemic encephalopathy may result from high levels of ammonia. By extracting ammonia from your blood into your large intestine, this medication works. Then, through your stool, the large intestine extracts the ammonia.
Storage
The medication can get damaged by direct contact with sun, air and light. Any adverse effects can be caused by exposure to the medication. It is best to keep the medication in a safe place and out of the reach of children. The medication should primarily be maintained at a room temperature of between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Lactulose Solution vs Cremaffin
| Lactulose Solution | Cremaffin |
|---|---|
| Lactulose oral solution is a prescription drug which is available as the brand name drug called Enulose and Generlac. This is also available as a generic drug. | Cremaffin Syrup is a laxative which is used to alleviate constipation. |
| Lactulose is an oral solution for the treatment of constipation. It is also used to treat portal-systemic encephalopathy, a brain problem. A complication of serious liver disease is this problem | It is used to provide constipation with gentle and efficient relief. It softens the stool, making it easier to move through. |
Some of the common side effects of Lactulose Solution are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Cremaffin are:
|
