lactulose

Brand names: Enulose

# Lactulose: What You Need to Know Lactulose is a medicine used to treat two main problems: constipation and a liver condition called hepatic encephalopathy. For constipation, lactulose works by drawing water into your intestines, which softens your stool and makes it easier to go to the bathroom. For people with liver problems, it helps reduce harmful substances in the body that can affect the brain. Your doctor will tell you how much to take based on why you need it and how your body responds to the medicine. When taking lactulose, there are some important safety points to remember. The most common side effects are gas, bloating, and stomach cramps, especially when you first start taking it. You should drink plenty of water while using this medicine. If you're also taking antibiotics (especially neomycin), tell your doctor right away, because these medicines can interfere with how lactulose works in your body. Always follow your doctor's instructions on how much to take, and don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel better.

Known Interactions

Drug Interactions There have been conflicting reports about the concomitant use of neomycin and lactulose solution. Theoretically, the elimination of certain colonic bacteria by neomycin and possibly other anti-infective agents may interfere with the desired degradation of lactulose and thus prevent the acidification of colonic contents. Thus the status of the lactulose-treated patient should be closely monitored in the event of concomitant oral anti-infective therapy. Results of preliminary studies in humans and rats suggest that nonabsorbable antacids given concurrently with lactulose may inhibit the desired lactulose-induced drop in colonic pH. Therefore, a possible lack of desired effect of treatment should be taken into consideration before such drugs are given concomitantly with lactulose. Other laxatives should not be used, especially during the initial phase of therapy for portal-systemic encephalopathy, because the loose stools resulting from their use may falsely suggest that

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • NAUSEA2,527 reports
  • CONSTIPATION2,503 reports
  • FALL2,250 reports
  • VOMITING2,050 reports
  • FATIGUE2,030 reports
  • DEATH1,939 reports
  • DYSPNOEA1,916 reports
  • DIARRHOEA1,900 reports
  • PAIN1,714 reports
  • PNEUMONIA1,689 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with lactulose:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.