A synthetic sugar called lactulose is used to alleviate constipation. In the colon, it is converted into substances that draw water from the body and into the colon. Stools softened by this water. Patients with liver disease can also use lactulose to lower the level of ammonia in their blood. Ammonia is eliminated from the body by pulling it from the circulation and into the colon.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you’re interested in using this drug for any other conditions.

Lactulose is available as a beverage to drink. Constipation is typically treated with it once day, while liver disease is typically treated with it three to four times daily. You can find out how much medication to take with each dose on your prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the lactulose directions exactly. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Before taking lactulose,

• If you have an allergy to lactulose or any other medication, inform your doctor and pharmacist very away.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking, including antacids, laxatives, and antibiotics such neomycin (Mycifradin).
• If you need a low-lactose diet or have diabetes, let your doctor know.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking lactulose.
• Inform your doctor that you are taking lactulose if you will be undergoing any colon or rectum procedures or examinations.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

lactulose could have negative impacts. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea

Call your doctor right away and stop taking lactulose if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Stomach cramps or agony
• Vomiting

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Lactulose tastes better when combined with a half-glass of water, milk, or fruit juice.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.