Lactulose is a medicine used in the form of a syrup for laxative purposes.
Fields of application
- Constipation, which cannot be sufficiently influenced by dietary changes etc.
- For diseases of the intestine etc.
- Prophylaxis and therapy of portocaval encephalopathy (liver disease)
Contraindications
The lactulose syrup must not be used for
- Hypersensitivity to lactulose or other syrup components
- Complaints like abdominal pain, vomiting, fever
Instructions for use
Lactulose is mixed with water or other drinks (coffee or tea is also possible) or taken stirred into yoghurt, muesli or porridge. The intake is independent of meals. If a single dose per day is sufficient to treat individual constipation, it is particularly recommended in the morning after breakfast.
Depending on the patient, the laxative effect may occur after 2 to 10 hours, but it may also take 1 to 2 days before the first bowel movement occurs. If no individual dosage is given by the doctor, the dosage for constipation is as follows: Since constipation is usually persistent at the beginning of the therapy, a higher dosage is necessary before an effect occurs. After 3 to 4 days this initial dosage can then be gradually reduced.
In the case of portocaval encephalopathy, it is recommended to increase the intake to 7.5-15 ml of the syrup (corresponding to 5g to 10g of lactulose) 3 to 4 times a day. Then the dose is gently increased to 30-45 ml (corresponding to 20 to 30 g) 3 to 4 times a day. Duration of use: The aim is to empty 2 to 3 soft stools per day. And the duration of intake of lactulose necessary for treatment is individually recommended by the doctor or pharmacist.
- Adults: 1 to 2 times daily 7.5-15 ml of the syrup (corresponding to 5 to 10 g of lactulose).
- Children: 1 to 2 times a day 4.5-9 ml of the syrup (corresponding to 3 to 6 g lactulose).
