Lactulose Solution

What is Lactulose solution?

Lactulose is a stool-softening laxative which is available as a sweetened syrup. It is taken orally to treat constipation in adults.

Lactulose can relieve constipation symptoms and help your bowel movements return to normal. If you have previously tried a bulk-forming laxative, such as Fybogel, have not been effective.

What causes constipation?

Constipation can affect anyone at any time, though it is more likely to affect some individuals, including people with certain bowel diseases and pregnant women.

Other causes of constipation include:

• Lack of exercise
• Medicines (side effects)
• Mental health (stress, anxiety or depression)
• Not drinking enough
• Not eating enough fibre
• Refraining from going to the toilet

If you experience constipation regularly, it is best to speak to your doctor. They will be able to discuss the possible causes of your constipation, and offer appropriate treatments for relieving your constipation.

While constipation itself is usually mild, transient and disappears on its own, it can increase your risk of other health conditions including haemorrhoids (piles).

Where can I buy lactulose solution online?

You can buy lactulose over the counter from pharmacies under the brand name Duphalac among others, or as a generic. If you can’t get to the pharmacy, you can buy lactulose solution online from Prescription Doctor.

All items dispatched from our UK based pharmacy are packaged in discreet, plain packaging to ensure your privacy.

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How Does Lactulose Syrup Work?

Lactulose works by drawing water from the body into the bowels, softening stools and making them easier to pass.

How long does lactulose take to work?

Lactulose starts to work after taking it for 2 to 3 days.

How long do I take lactulose for?

You should take lactulose solution for as long as you have constipation, or as long as your doctor recommends. It is usually taken for up to a week.

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How Do I Take Lactulose?

While there are no specific instructions on when to take lactulose, you should aim to take it at the same time each day.

You can take lactulose with or without food.

Lactulose is available in 500ml bottles from Prescription Doctor.

When taking lactulose syrup for constipation, you will need to measure the medicine out yourself using a measuring cup or medicine spoon. Using a kitchen spoon may cause you to take the wrong dosage.

The amount of lactulose you take depends on the severity of your constipation and how well you respond to treatment.

Lactulose comes with a measuring cup on the top of the bottle, so you can measure each dosage correctly.

The typical dose of lactulose for adults is 15ml twice a day.

In people with hepatic encephalopathy, your dose may be 30 to 50ml three times a day. Your doctor may adjust this dose depending on how you respond to treatment.

When taking lactulose, do not keep the medicine in your mouth. Lactulose syrup is high in sugar and can cause tooth decay. You should swallow the medicine immediately when taking it.

You can dilute lactulose oral solution with water or mix it with juice if the taste is too sweet. If you mix the medicine with juice, you should drink the solution immediately.

What should I do if I forget to take Lactulose when I should?

I you forget to take lactulose syrup at the recommended time, don’t panic – simply skip the missed dose and continue to take your next dose at the usual time. Never take more lactulose syrup to make up for the missed dose.

If your doctor has advised you to take lactulose every day and you regularly forget to take it, it’s a good idea to set an alarm as a reminder.

What should I do if I take too much lactulose?

If you accidentally take too much lactulose, it is unlikely to harm you, but it is advisable that you consult your doctor or pharmacist. You may experience side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps or dehydration.

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Lactulose Side Effects and Cautions

Before taking lactulose for constipation, it’s important to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. This leaflet contains important information about taking, storing and discarding the medicine.

You can view the patient information leaflet for lactulose online.

Lactulose may not be suitable for you.

Do not take lactulose syrup if you:

• have galactosaemia
• have an intestinal blockage
• have a perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
• are at risk of gastrointestinal perforation
• have galactose or fructose intolerance
• have total lactase deficiency
• have glucose-galactose malabsorption

Speak to your doctor before taking lactulose if you:

• are lactose intolerant
• have diabetes
• suffer from unexplained stomach ache

If you are unsure whether lactulose is safe for you, speak to your doctor for advice.

Lactulose side effects

All medicines have the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody who takes lactulose will experience them. It’s important to be aware of the side effects posed by the medicine you are taking, and to keep an eye out for any changes during your course of treatment.

Common side effects of lactulose may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence (passing wind)
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of lactulose solution, including a complete list of side effects, can be found listed in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Allergies

Do not take lactulose syrup if you are allergic to lactulose or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

If you experience an allergic reaction after taking lactulose, stop taking the medicine and go straight to your nearest accident and emergency department. Remember to take the packaging leaflet and any remaining medicine with you so that doctors treating you know exactly what you have taken.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Other safety information

If you have any questions about lactulose or constipation, you can send a message to our medical team for advice.

Please inform our medical team of all medicines you are currently taking, including those on prescription or bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

While taking laxatives, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. You should aim to drink between 6 and 8 glasses of water daily while taking lactulose syrup.

Do not take lactulose syrup past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste as this can harm the environment. Ask your local pharmacy if they can dispose of unwanted or expired medicine on your behalf.

Always store lactulose out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Lactulose should not be used by those under the age of 14 unless specified by a doctor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking lactulose?

While lactulose is unlikely to interact with alcohol, you should avoid alcohol while treating constipation. Alcohol is a mild diuretic which causes you to lose fluids by passing urine more often.

Will lactulose impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Lactulose should not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience any side effects which may make you unsuitable to drive or operate machinery, such as dizziness or fatigue, then you should avoid such activities until you feel safe to do so.

Can I take lactulose while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Lactulose is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, you should always speak to your doctor before taking any medicine if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Should I avoid any foods or drinks while taking lactulose?

There are no foods or drinks that need to be avoided, but it is advised that you avoid sweets, cheeses, cakes and pastry-type foods as these can cause or worsen constipation.

It is encouraged to eat more fibre to prevent and ease constipation.

Does lactulose affect contraception?

Taking lactulose will not directly affect your hormone contraception. However, taking too much lactulose syrup or taking it too often can lead to diarrhoea. If you experience severe or consistent diarrhoea over 24 hours, your contraception may be affect.

You should check the leaflet of your contraceptive pill if you suffer with ongoing diarrhoea, and use other forms of contraceptive (such as condoms) to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Can I take other medication while taking lactulose?

There are no known problems taking lactulose with other medications, but you should always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are on additional medication including supplements or herbal remedies.

Will lactulose help me lose weight?

No, lactulose - nor any laxative - will help you lose weight. Using laxatives as a method to lose weight is very dangerous and can lead to dehydration. If you are struggling to lose weight, you can complete an online consultation for weight loss with us.

Our medical team can help you find the most suitable treatments for weight loss.

Can I use different laxatives together?

According to the NHS, you can use a bulk-forming laxative alongside an osmotic laxative or stool softening laxative.

If you are unsure which laxatives are suitable for you, or indeed which laxatives can be used together, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

Can I buy lactulose over the counter?

Lactulose syrup is available over the counter from pharmacies and some supermarkets.

If you don't have time to go to a pharmacy in person, you can buy lactulose oral solution online from Prescription Doctor. Our UK pharmacy offers a next-day, discreet delivery service on all orders approved before 3pm on weekdays.

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Table of contents

What is lactulose?

How Does lactulose Work?

How Do I Take lactulose?

Lactulose Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions