Lactulol for constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. How to use the drug?

Lactulol is a drug used to treat constipation and to prevent and treat hepatic encephalopathy. Patients who are allergic to any ingredient of the drug should not take it. The preparation is in the form of a syrup and is intended for oral use.

Lactulol (Hasco-Lek)

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Lactulol is an osmotic laxative.

Lactulol – indications and dosage

Lactulol is a drug intended to take:

1. in constipation,
2. in the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

Dosage for constipation

1. Adults: Initially for the first 3 days, 45 ml once a day before breakfast or 1 ml three times a day before meals. Maintenance dose 15 ml on an empty stomach.
2. Children: Initially in children after the 3rd year of age 5-15 ml / d,
3. Children up to 3 years of age: 5 ml / d, in infants 2,5 ml / d, then the dose may be gradually increased every 3 days until normal bowel movements are obtained.

Dosage for the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy

1. Adults: 120-180 ml / d in 3-4 doses division Adjust the doses so that the number of loose stools does not exceed 2-3 / day.

Lactulol and contraindications

There are the following contraindications to the use of Lactulol syrup:

1. hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation,
2. bowel obstruction,
3. galactosemia.

Lactulol – warnings

1. Consult your doctor if constipation does not improve after a few days of treatment.
2. The drug should be used with caution in patients with diabetes and lactose intolerance, because it contains galactose and lactose.
3. Too long-term use of the drug in high doses may cause diarrhea and disturbance of water and electrolyte balance. Therefore, blood levels of sodium, potassium and chloride should be monitored, especially in elderly patients.
4. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking the drug.

Lactulol with other medications

1. Lactulose contained in the preparation reduces the pH of the colon (acidification of the contents of the large intestine), and may inhibit the effectiveness of drugs whose pH depends on the colon.
2. Lactulose increases the loss of potassium, which is associated with the intake of diuretics, corticosteroids or amphotericin B. Lowered potassium levels in the blood may lead to an increase in cardiac glycosides.
3. The use of neomycin and antacids reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

Lactulol – side effects

While taking Lactulol, the following may occur:

1. transient flatulence (most often at the beginning of taking the drug),
2. stomach pain,
3. nausea,
4. vomiting,
5. diarrhea and pain in the abdomen (if too much is used).