Lactulose

What is Lactulose?

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.^[1] 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.^[2]

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 15ml twice daily, which can be adjusted according to your needs. Typically you’ll continue to reduce your dose until your symptoms have stopped and you feel better.^[3]

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 your 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.^[1] 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.^[2]

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