Lactulose is a medication used to treat constipation. It’s a syrup-based solution that you take orally, either on its own or diluted with another drink.
It also comes in easy-to-use sachets, which means that you can still use it if you’re travelling or out and about.
How does Lactulose work?
Lactulose is made up of a compound of sugars called 1,4 beta galactoside-fructose, which can’t be broken down by your small intestine. This allows the sugar to reach your large intestine, where it has a laxative effect, drawing water into your bowel in order to loosen your stool. This then helps to relieve your constipation.
Lactulose also helps to stop the formation of too much ammonia in the gut, which also helps to stop constipation from occurring.
What doses of Lactulose are there?
The dose of Lactulose that you’re advised to take will be based on your health needs and symptoms.
Often you’ll be advised to take one to three sachets a day (that’s about 10-30g of Lactulose) before dropping down to one to two (10-20g Lactulose). Typically you’ll continue to reduce your dose until your symptoms have stopped and you feel better.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Lactulose
You should take Lactulose exactly as your patient information leaflet tells you, or as your prescribing clinician has advised you to. If there’s anything you’re unsure of, have a chat with our clinician. Lactulose should only be taken on the advice of a medical professional.
To take Lactulose:
make sure you have your doses at the same time every day. If your dose is once a day you might be advised to take it at breakfast time. If you have more than one dose a day you might be advised to take it at two or three separate intervals
ensure you swallow your Lactulose immediately, and don’t hold it in your mouth or swill it around
either swallow it on its own or diluted with a small amount of liquid
always make sure you drink sufficient amounts of fluid when taking Lactulose. You should aim for two litres a day (which is roughly 6-8 glasses of water)
It can be taken with or without food, and there are no dietary restrictions with taking it.
How long does it take Lactulose to work?
You should start to notice an effect from Lactulose within 24-72 hours of your first dose, after which it should start to work in your system more quickly. You’ll also need to increase the amount of water you drink to around 6-8 glasses per day to help with stool softening.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Lactulose?
If you forget to take a dose of Lactulose you can take it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s not too close to your next dose. If it is too close to your next dose, then just skip it and carry on as normal. Don’t take an extra dose to make up for the missed one, as taking too much in one go can cause you digestive discomfort. You should always discuss your dosage with a clinician as it can vary between adults and children.
If you’ve got any questions, you just need to sign in to your account and send our clinician a message.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Lactulose
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is Lactulose different from other treatments for constipation?
Answer:
Constipation treatments often come in the form of laxatives, and Lactulose is no exception. But not all laxatives work in the same way. Where Lactulose is an osmotic laxative (it draws water into your bowel to soften your stool), other laxatives work in different ways, such as by increasing the weight of your stool or stimulating the muscles that line your gut.
Lactulose contains a different active ingredient to some other osmotic laxatives, such as Movicol and Dulcosoft. It can therefore be a better option to try if these other treatments haven’t worked for you, or if you’ve had side effects with them.
Is Lactulose similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
Lactulose is sometimes sold as Duphalac or Lactugal. All three treatments contain the same active ingredient and will all work in largely the same way. However, all three products may come in different doses or look different.
How long can I take Lactulose for?
Answer:
Always take Lactulose for as long as your clinician recommends you do so. It’s fine to carry on taking it until your constipation goes away, but you may need to have frequent medical tests if you take it long-term.
How effective is Lactulose?
Answer:
Lactulose is considered a safe and effective treatment for constipation that doesn’t take a long time to work, and there are a few things you can do to make your treatment even more effective. This includes upping your intake of high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables and legumes, drinking plenty of water and staying physically active.
Is Lactulose safe in pregnancy?
Answer:
It’s safe to take Lactulose if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, but you’ll need to let your clinician know if you want to take Lactulose and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Do I need a prescription for Lactulose?
Answer:
No, you don’t need a prescription for Lactulose. But you can’t just get it ‘over the counter’, either (like you can with some medicines, like paracetamol). You’ll need to speak to a pharmacist before you can get it. This means you’ll need to go to a registered chemist and have a chat with a licensed clinician, who’ll decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
We’re a licensed pharmacy with trained clinicians and we can provide you with Lactulose if you tell us about your health, any other conditions you have and what other treatments you’re currently taking. There are some people for whom Lactulose won’t be suitable, for instance, if you’re lactose intolerant.
Why should I buy Lactulose online with Treated?
Answer:
You can get Lactulose from us after a quick chat with one of our prescribing clinicians. All you need to do is tell us a little bit about your symptoms and health. If Lactulose is a suitable treatment for you then we’ll deliver it straight to your door. No fuss, no hassle.
We offer expert aftercare, too. So you can rest easy and know we’ve got you covered. Once you’ve received your treatment, we’ll check in with you to see how it’s going. If you’ve got any questions or concerns, you can ask us anytime you like.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
R.N. Lactulose: A Review of its Therapeutic and Pharmacological Properties with particular reference to ammonia metabolism and its mode of action in portal systemic encephalopathy. Drugs 4, 7–48
