Lactulose is an osmotic laxative. It is used for the relief of constipation, including chronic constipation, as directed by your doctor. It works over a period of about 24 to 48 hours. The liquid reaches your intestines virtually unchanged. Once there, the bacteria in your bowel split lactulose into its active parts. The active parts increase the action of your bowel and keep water in your bowel so that stools are moved through and are easier to pass.
Lactulose is also used to treat encephalopathy, a disorder of the brain causing confusion or mental problems as a result of liver disease or liver failure.
For the treatment of constipation, the usual starting dose is 15 mL to 30 mL once daily. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 60 mL once daily. Remember that lactulose takes 24 to 48 hours for results in most cases. This product should not be used if it has only been a day or two since your last bowel movement. Laxatives should not be used for more than one week unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you are still bothered by constipation after one week of using this product, call your doctor.
For the treatment of encephalopathy, the usual adult dose is 30 mL to 45 mL taken 3 or 4 times daily. The dose in infants ranges from 2.5 mL to 10 mL daily in divided doses. The dose in children ranges from 40 mL to 90 mL daily in divided doses. After 1 to 2 days the dose may be adjusted to an amount required to result in 2 or 3 soft stools daily. In infants and children, if the starting dose results in diarrhea or if the diarrhea persists, contact your doctor.
