Lactulose

What is the most important information I should know about lactulose?

Notify your doctor if you develop excessive diarrhea.

What is lactulose?

Lactulose is a type of sugar. It is broken down into mild acids in the colon (the end part of the intestinal tract). These acids draw water into the colon and thereby soften the stool.

Lactulose is used to treat constipation.

Lactulose may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lactulose?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• are diabetic,
• require a diet low in galactose, or
• require a proctoscopy or colonoscopy.

You may not be able to take lactulose, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Lactulose is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether lactulose passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take lactulose?

Take lactulose exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure lactulose with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Lactulose can be mixed with fruit juice, water, or milk to improve the taste.

It may be 24 to 48 hours before the effects of lactulose are seen.

Lactulose may darken slightly in color. This change is harmless. However, if lactulose becomes very dark or uneven in consistency, do not use it.

Store lactulose at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a lactulose overdose are not known, but diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and possible complications of dehydration from excessive diarrhea would be expected.

What should I avoid while taking lactulose?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking lactulose unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of lactulose?

Stop taking lactulose and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; hives; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting).

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take lactulose and notify your doctor if you experience

• flatulence,
• abdominal cramps,
• diarrhea, or
• nausea or vomiting.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect lactulose?

Antacids may decrease the effects of lactulose. Talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications for heartburn or sour stomach.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lactulose. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about lactulose written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Lactulose is available with a prescription generically and under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.06. Revision date: 8/24/04.