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Lactulose

  • It may take a few days for the full effect of the medicine to develop and relieve the constipation.
  • Lactulose may be mixed with water or fruit juice to improve the taste; this should be done a minute or two before it is taken.

About lactulose

Type of medicine Laxative
Used for Constipation
Also called Duphalac; Lactugal; Regulose
Available as Oral liquid

Before taking lactulose

Before taking lactulose make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you suffer from any blockages of the bowel; other than your constipation being treated at the moment.
  • If you suffer from galactosaemia, this means your body can not process galactose (a type of sugar).
  • If you are lactose intolerant (allergic to milk sugar).
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to take lactulose

  • Lactulose liquid can be mixed with water or fruit juice to improve the taste. This should be done a minute or two before it is taken.
  • It may take two or three days for the full effect to develop.
  • If your symptoms do not begin to improve within a week or get worse, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • If you miss a dose of lactulose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual time.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Taking lactulose in high doses may cause you to feel sick. To avoid this try taking each dose with food.
  • Many people take laxatives when they should not because they think that they should go to the toilet every day. For many people it is normal not to go every day.
  • A well balanced diet containing whole grain breads, cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables plus 6 to 8 full glasses of liquid each day may prevent constipation from coming back. For people who have problems with constipation, food such as pastries, puddings, sugar, sweets, cheese and cake can make matters worse.
  • Regular exercise is also important in maintaining healthy bowel function.
  • Avoid drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol as they can cause a loss of fluid from the body, which will dehydrate you and worsen constipation.

Can lactulose cause problems

  • Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.
  • Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
  • If you are suffering from a condition that is not listed and you think may be due to your medicine speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Common side-effects What can I do about it?
Abdominal cramps and discomfort Try taking your medicine with food
Diarrhoea You may have taken the medicine for too long or taken too much.
Stop taking the medicine and speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Flatulence (excess wind) This usually improves after a few days.

How to store lactulose

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medecines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy who will dispose of them for you.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
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dils2083		 Last Updated:
16 Aug 2007		 Date of Next Review:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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