💧 Lactulose Oral Liquid 10 g/15 mL
📄 Description:
Lactulose is a synthetic, non-absorbable disaccharide (galactose + fructose) used as an osmotic laxative and in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. It draws water into the colon, softening stools and promoting bowel movement.
🧾 Prescription / Indications:
Indicated for:
- Chronic or occasional constipation
- Hepatic encephalopathy (prevention and treatment of portal systemic encephalopathy)
- Bowel regulation in elderly, post-operative, or bed-ridden patients
Dosage:
- Constipation (Adults):
15–45 mL per day, may be adjusted up to 60 mL if needed - Constipation (Children):
- 1–6 years: 5–10 mL/day
- 7–14 years: 15 mL/day
- Hepatic encephalopathy (Adults):
Initial: 30–50 mL three times daily; adjust to 2–3 soft stools/day
Onset of effect: 24–48 hours for constipation
🔬 Nature:
- Form: Oral liquid syrup
- Type: Osmotic laxative
- Mechanism:
- In colon, lactulose is metabolized by gut bacteria into acids → increases osmotic pressure → draws water → softens stool
- Reduces ammonia absorption in hepatic encephalopathy by acidifying colon contents
🌟 Advantages:
- Gentle and effective laxative
- Safe for long-term use in elderly and children
- Non-habit forming
- Dual benefit: constipation + hepatic encephalopathy
- Can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding (under medical supervision)
📦 Common Packaging:
- Bottles: 100 mL, 200 mL, 450 mL, 500 mL
- Strength: 10 g of lactulose per 15 mL syrup
- Usually includes a measuring cup/spoon
🧊 Storage:
- Store below 25°C
- Do not refrigerate or freeze
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep bottle tightly closed after use
⚠️ Precautions:
- Not for use in:
- Galactosemia (contains galactose and lactose)
- Intestinal obstruction, perforation, or severe abdominal pain of unknown cause
- May cause:
- Flatulence, bloating, abdominal discomfort, especially in first few days
- Electrolyte imbalance (with prolonged high-dose use)
- Use with caution in diabetics due to sugar content
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take with or after meals to reduce bloating
- Drink plenty of fluids
- May mix with juice or water to improve taste
- Results may take 1–2 days
- Do not exceed prescribed dose
- Contact a doctor if:
- Diarrhea develops
- Symptoms persist beyond 1 week
- You have liver disease and mental status changes