Lactulose Solution - 500ml

Product Summary

Lactulose is a natural laxative which softens stools and promotes their movement through the bowel. It is a colonic acidifier and works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool and helping to produce a bowel movement.

Directions

• Adults and children over 10: Take three 5 ml spoonfuls twice daily.
• Children aged 5 to 10 years: Give two 5 ml spoonfuls twice daily.
• Children aged 1 to 5 years: Give one 5 ml spoonful twice daily.
• Babies under 1 year (under pharmacist's or doctor's recommendation): Give 2.5ml twice daily.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients: Lactulose 3.3g/5ml.
• Also contains: Lactose and Galactose

Warnings and Restrictions

Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

The prolonged use of laxatives is undesirable.

Do not take Lactulose if:

• you are allergic to lactulose or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• you suffer from galactosaemia (a severe genetic disorder where you cannot digest galactose)
• you have acute inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• you have a blockage in your bowel (apart from normal constipation)
• you have a digestive perforation, risk of digestive perforation, or unexplained abdominal pain.

Taking other medicines

Lactulose solution is unlikely to interact with other medications. However, speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medication, especially for the bowels.

Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

After first opening Lactulose oral solution can be used for 1 year.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label of the bottle as well on the outer carton after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

FAQs Answered by Pharmacists

How quickly does Lactulose become effective?

Lactulose will take 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days) to become effective. It's not like some laxatives that immediately work within a few hours. Rather, Lactulose works less aggressively by pulling water into the bowel, softening your stool and getting it moving more normally. Because of this delayed action, it's typically only for people needing long-term help with constipation, not an immediate solution. If nothing happens in a few days, or you get worse, call your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I take Lactulose every day for prolonged periods?

Daily lactulose may be taken for short-term or extended periods, but if a physician or pharmacist indicates otherwise, it should be taken regularly only at their advice. Though safe and very mild, taking any laxative for long periods without consulting a healthcare professional can make your bowel system rely too heavily on the laxative. Suppose you need it for more than a few weeks. In that case, your doctor will likely have to seek out other causes of your constipation and can suggest adjustments in your diet, fluids, or activity level to hasten your bowel movements without medications.

Is Lactulose safe in infants and toddlers?

Yes, Lactulose is actually one of the only laxatives that babies and toddlers can safely use, but it can only be given on medical or a pharmacist's advice, especially in children less than 1 year old. It works slowly by loosening the stool and isn't absorbed into the bloodstream. Dosage should be carefully observed by age category. If your child has persistent constipation after a few days or if there is bloating, vomiting, or stomach ache, stop using it and consult a doctor.

Does Lactulose interact with other foods or drugs?

Lactulose will not interact with most foods or drugs, but it's always best to let your doctor or pharmacist know what else you're taking. Some bowel medications or medications that affect how your body processes sugar might be affected. You can usually take Lactulose with or without food. Also, drinking plenty of fluids while taking the medication is helpful because it helps improve how the medicine works in softening your stool.

What are the most common side effects of Lactulose?

Most people do not have common side effects with Lactulose when taken at the right dose. However, common side effects can be wind (gas), bloating, stomach cramps, and sometimes nausea. These tend to go away once your body gets used to the medicine. If you have severe pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea, or if you stop passing stools altogether, stop taking Lactulose and see your doctor. Allergic reactions to Lactulose are rare (for example, itching or swelling).

Can Lactulose be used to treat anything other than constipation?

Yes, although it’s mainly used for constipation, Lactulose is also sometimes prescribed for a condition called hepatic encephalopathy—a liver-related illness where harmful substances build up in the blood. In those cases, it helps reduce ammonia levels in the body. However, dosing is different for this use and should always be managed by a doctor. If you’ve been prescribed Lactulose for a reason other than constipation, make sure to follow your doctor’s specific instructions carefully.