Home :: Drugs :: Lactulose

Lactulose - Learn about Lactulose Side Effects and Precautions

Lactulose Information

The pharmacology action of Lactulose is that it produces increased osmotic pressure within colon and acidifies its contents, resulting in increased stool water content and stool softening. Causes migration of ammonia from blood into colon, where it is converted to ammonium ion and expelled through laxative action.

Lactulose is used in treatment of constipation; prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, including stages of hepatic precoma and coma.

Interaction and Contraindication of Lactulose

Interaction of Lactulose - Neomycin, other anti-infectives:  May interfere with desired degradation of lactulose and prevent acidification of colonic contents.
Nonabsorbable antacids:  May inhibit colonic acidification.

Contraindication of Lactulose - Use in patients who require low-galactose diet.

Side Effects o f Lactulose

Here are the list of some common side effects ofLactulose :

• Orthostatic hypotension; edema; flushing; ventricular arrhythmias; AV block; bradycardia; heart failure; chest pain.
• Gaseous distention with flatulence or belching, abdominal discomfort and cramping; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.
• Muscle cramps; systemic lupus erythematosus; increased hypoglycemic response to insulin; masking of hypoglycemic signs; asthenia

Precaution and Warning while taking Lactulose

The precaution and warnings of Lactulose drug is as follows:

• Advise patient that drug can be mixed with fruit juice, water, or milk to make it more palatable.
• Inform patient that drug may cause belching, flatulence, or abdominal cramps. Instruct patient to notify health care provider if these symptoms become bothersome or if diarrhea occurs.
• Instruct patient not to take other laxatives while receiving lactulose therapy.
• Encourage patient to increase dietary fiber and fluid intake and participate in regular exercise.

How to store Lactulose

• Mix with fruit juice, water, or milk to make more palatable.
• Administer with full glass of fruit juice, water, or milk.
• May administer to adults during impending coma or coma stage of portal-systemic encephalopathy as retention enema via rectal balloon catheter when danger of aspiration exists or when endoscopic or intubation procedures interfere with oral administration. Do not use cleansing enemas containing soapsuds or other alkaline agents. If enema is inadvertently evacuated too promptly, it may be repeated immediately.
• Store at room temperature; do not freeze.