What is the medication lactulose used for?
What is the medication lactulose used for?
Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation. It is broken down in the colon into products that pull water out from the body and into the colon. This water softens stools. Lactulose is also used to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood of patients with liver disease.
Is lactulose available in pill form?
Lactulose oral solution is available as both a generic drug and as brand-name drug. Brand name: Generlac. Lactulose is also available as a rectal solution.
Does lactulose require a prescription?
Lactulose is a prescription drug used by mouth or rectally to treat or prevent complications of liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). It does not cure the problem, but may help to improve mental status. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by decreasing the amount of ammonia in the blood.
Is lactulose a stool softener?
Lactulose is broken down in the bowel into products that pull water out from the body and into the bowel to soften poo and make it easier to pass. It’s called an osmotic laxative.
Is it safe to take lactulose every day?
You can take lactulose for as long as the constipation lasts, or for as long as your doctor has recommended. This will usually be for up to a week. For more serious constipation, and if you are taking lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, your doctor may recommend that you take it for many months.
Is lactulose safe to take everyday?
What happens if you push too hard while pooping?
Harder stools and less responsive muscles often cause people to push harder when they have to go. This can make veins surrounding the anus swell, resulting in hemorrhoids — essentially varicose veins, inside or outside the anus. They itch, hurt, and can result in blood and mucus in the stool and during wiping.
Lactulose works by drawing fluid into your bowel, which makes your stools softer and easier to pass. It is available on prescription, and it can also be bought without a prescription at pharmacies. Lactulose also changes the acidity of the stools and this helps to discourage the growth of some germs (bacteria) present in the bowel.
Does lactulose interact with medication?
Lactulose has no known mild interactions with other drugs. This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist.
Does lactulose increase blood sugar levels?
Will you have Blood glucose increased with Lactulose – from FDA reports. Summary. Blood glucose increased is found among people who take Lactulose, especially for people who are female, 60+ old , have been taking the drug for < 1 month, also take medication Lasix, and have High blood pressure.
Which condition indicates an overdose of lactulose?
Applies to lactulose: compounding solution, oral powder for reconstitution, oral solution, oral syrup, oral and rectal liquid Diarrhea is an indication of overdose. Severe diarrhea may lead to hypovolemia, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia, especially in elderly or acutely ill patients. If diarrhea develops, the dosage should be reduced.
