Lactulose is a prescription medication used for the treatment of constipation. It is a synthetic sugar that acts as a laxative, meaning that helps increase the number of bowel movements taken in a day and the number of days in which a bowel movement occurs in patients who have been diagnosed with chronic constipation.

In addition to its use as a laxative for constipation relief, lactulose can also help reduce ammonia levels in those with chronic liver disease, thus preventing hepatic encephalopathy.

Lactulose is available in its generic form or under the brand names Cholac, Constilac, Constulose, Enulose, Generlac, and Kristalose.

Lactulose is used to treat chronic constipation. Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) - also known as chronic constipation - is an ongoing condition characterized by irregular, infrequent, or difficult bowel movements. Chronic constipation has no known cause or underlying risk factor. While this condition cannot be cured, medication such as lactulose can help ease symptoms caused by CIC.

Lactulose is also prescribed to lower ammonia levels in the blood of patients who have been diagnosed with liver disease.

Lactulose is not a cure for constipation. Chronic constipation has many causes including age, diet, sex, and medication usage. While lactulose cannot treat these underlying factors, it can help increase the overall frequency of bowel movements in patients with constipation.

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar. It belongs to the classification of medications known as osmotic laxatives. It works by drawing water into the colon. This softens the stool, making it easier to pass.

Lactulose traps ammonia in the colon, where it is secreted through bowel movements. This works to lower ammonia levels in the blood in patients who have liver disease.

Lactulose is a laxative medication. That means that you will likely experience an increase in your bowel movement frequency. Aside from that needed effect, lactulose may cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Common side effects reported from lactulose use include:

• Diarrhea
  
• Gas
  
• Bloating
  
• Nausea
  

More serious side effects include:

• Stomach pain
  
• Vomiting
  

If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a possibly serious adverse reaction to this medication and require treatment right away.

As with all medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with lactulose. Lactulose can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Specifically, you should inform your health care provider of any antacids, antibiotics, or other laxative medications before you start taking lactulose. Be sure to mention any herbal products you are using.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication. Call your provider if you become pregnant while you are taking lactulose.

Lactulose is commonly supplied as a liquid to be ingested orally. You can mix this liquid with fruit juice, milk, or water. It may take lactulose 24-48 hours before you begin to notice it working.

The specific dosage of lactulose prescribed depends on the patient’s age and body weight. Take this medication exactly as ordered. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting with your health care provider first.

Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

Lactulose is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not lactulose is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for lactulose to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.