Lactulosum – composition, action, dosage and price of the drug with lactulose

Proven content

Lactulosum is a laxative drug that is available in pharmacies in the form of a syrup. The active substance of this preparation is lactulose, which supports intestinal peristalsis. How does Lactulosum work and when is it worth taking? Are there any contraindications to the use of the drug? How to dose Lactulosum? Can the use of this drug cause side effects?

Lactulosum – general characteristics of the drug

Lactulosum is an osmotic drug in the form of o laxative effect for use in chronic constipation, as well as in liver failure. The active substance of Lactulosum is an organic chemical compound, i.e. lactulose. It is a compound that has a positive effect on intestinal peristalsis.

Lactulosum is manufactured and distributed by various manufacturers. The volume of the package, the price of the drug and the concentration of the active substance depend on the manufacturer of the preparation.

Hasco lactulose

Hasco lactulose – a drug introduced to the market by the pharmaceutical concern Hasco. Hasco is a pharmaceutical company founded in 1984 by Dr. Stanisław Han. Initially, the main products of the company were cosmetics. In 1991, the first medicinal products appeared in Hasco-Lek’s offer, mainly syrups based on natural ingredients. Lactulosum Hasco is available in two packages:

1. syrup in a 150 ml bottle;
2. syrup in a 500 ml bottle.

Lactulosum Polfarmex

Lactulosum Polfarmex – preparation introduced to the market by the pharmaceutical concern Polfarmex. Polfarmex is a Polish pharmaceutical company based in Kutno. The company was founded in 1989 under the name “Polfa – Farmex”. Initially, the concern traded in medicines and imported raw materials. Currently, Polfarmex is a producer of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and cosmetics. Lactulosum Polfarmex is a syrup available in a 150 ml bottle.

Bitter lactulose

Bitter lactulose – is a preparation introduced to the market by the pharmaceutical concern Amara. Zakład Farmaceutyczny Amara was established in 1994 and its portfolio includes products such as hydrogen peroxide, marshmallow syrup and salicylic alcohol, as well as modern preparations of such brands as: Rinozine, Amaderm, Laktomag, Beta Karoten, Ibured or Cynkokrem. Lactulosum Amara is available in two packages:

1. syrup in a 150 ml bottle;
2. syrup in a 200 ml bottle.

Lactulosum Aflofarm

Lactulosum Aflofarm – is a medicinal preparation introduced to the market by the pharmaceutical concern Aflofarm Farmacja Polska. Aflofarm was founded in Pabianice in 1989 under the name Aflopa. It has been operating under its present name since 2001. Lactulosum Aflofarm is a syrup available in a 150 ml bottle.

Lactose Takeda Forte

Lactose Takeda Forte – is a preparation that was introduced to the market by the pharmaceutical concern Takeda Pharma. Takeda Pharma is a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company. It is the largest pharmaceutical producer in Asia and one of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world by revenue. Lactulosum Takeda Forte is a syrup available in a 150 ml bottle.

What influences intestinal problems? Read on: Everyday habits that lead to intestinal dysbiosis

Lactulosum – composition and action of the drug

Lactulosum is a drug that supports the work of the intestines. The active substance of this preparation is lactulose. Lactulose is an organic chemical compound belonging to the group of synthetic disaccharides and consists of galactose combined with fructose. Lactulose is a compound that, for example, can result from the conversion of lactose in the UHT process under the influence of high temperature.

The active substance in Lactulosum is resistant to the action of the enzymes that are responsible for the digestion of disaccharides in the small intestine. Lactulose is absorbed to a small extent, therefore it reaches the large intestine in virtually unchanged form and there, under the influence of the bacterial flora, it decomposes into carbon dioxide and organic acids. This process increases the amount of water in the large intestine, stimulates intestinal peristalsis and also softens the stool mass.

Under the influence of lactulose, the large intestine is acidified, which in turn accelerates the reaction of converting ammonium ions to ammonia and reduces the absorption of ammonia into the blood.

The effect of lactulose can already be observed about 24-48 hours after oral administration of the drug. Drugs with lactulose can be used for a long time. In therapeutic doses, this compound does not irritate the intestinal epithelium, and does not affect the absorption processes of ionized substances and does not cause protein loss. Up to 1,2% of the lactulose dose is absorbed into the systemic circulation and is then excreted from the body unchanged in the urine.

The auxiliary substances of Lactulosum, depending on the manufacturer of the preparation, are: orange flavor, citric acid monohydrate, purified water, non-crystallising liquid sorbitol or liquid mangor flavoring.

What kind of intestinal diseases do we deal with most often? Check: Bowel diseases – how to recognize them and how to treat them?

Lactulosum – indications for use

Lactulosum is a preparation that is used in the case of intestinal disorders. The indications for the use of Lactulosum are primarily:

1. chronic constipation;
2. acute liver failure with pre-coma and coma;
3. Chronic liver failure with increased blood ammonia levels.

How to deal with constipation at home? Read: Home remedies for constipation

Lactulosum – contraindications to the use of the drug

Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of chronic constipation or liver failure, Lactulosum cannot be used by all patients.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the auxiliary ingredients of the preparation is a contraindication to the use of Lactulosum.

Lactulosum cannot also be used in patients who have been diagnosed with intestinal obstruction.

In addition, Lactulosum is not indicated if you have an increase in blood galactose levels, known lactose intolerance or with galactosemia.

What is galactosemia and how to recognize and treat it? Galactosemia

Lactulosum – precautions

Before using Lactulosum and during treatment with this preparation, certain precautions should be taken, which are described in the package leaflet.

Precautions to remember when taking Lactulosum include:

1. always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lactulosum Polfarmex;
2. in the case of long-term use, periodic monitoring of the concentration of electrolytes in the plasma (potassium, chlorides) is recommended;
3. talk to your doctor, even if the above warnings apply to situations in the past;
4. the drug should be kept out of reach of small children at room temperature. The packaging with the preparation should be protected from light and moisture;
5. after opening the bottle with the preparation, the drug should not be stored for more than 3 months;
6. the drug must not be frozen.

How is drug allergy manifested? When does it occur and what to do in the event of an allergic reaction? Read: Drugs are also allergenic

Lactulosum – dosage method

Always use Lactulosum exactly as described in the package leaflet. Dosage of the drug may be adjusted by your doctor or pharmacist.

The correct dosage of the drug depends on the ailment for which Lactulosum is used.

Lactulosum medicine for adults used in the treatment of contusion:

1. oral use, usually 30-45 ml (2-3 tablespoons) of the syrup before breakfast or 15 ml (1 tablespoon) 3 times a day before meals. After obtaining the treatment effect, it is recommended to use 15 ml of the syrup on an empty stomach. 

Lactulosum for adults with liver failure:

1. oral use, 100-180 ml of the drug daily in 4-6 doses.

Lactulosum for children used for laxation:

1. initially, babies – 2,5 ml; children up to 3 years old – 5 ml; over 3 years old – 15 ml daily. Thereafter, the dose of the drug may be increased every 3 days until the bowel movements are normal. If abdominal distension occurs, reduce the dose to what is tolerated by the child. It is recommended to administer the drug after dilution with water or fruit juice. 

So far they are not known the effects of an overdose of Lactulosum. However, a double dose should not be taken in case of missed medication.

How to deal with diarrhea at home? Check: Home remedies for diarrhea

Lactulosum – side effects

As with any other drug, the use of Lactulosum may cause unwanted side effects in the patient. They do not occur in every patient and it is worth remembering that the expected benefits of using the drug are usually higher than the damage resulting from side effects.

It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

The frequency classification of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare (≥ 100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

The most common side effects with Lactulosum are abdominal pain, gas, and cramps. Nausea may also occasionally occur.

What should you know about side effects of drugs? Check: Adverse drug reactions

Lactulosum – interactions with other drugs

Before taking Lactulosum, the patient should inform the doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs that the patient is taking or is taking recently, as well as about those that the patient is planning to take.

Drug interactions are a very important issue and in the case of Lactulosum, attention should be paid to combining treatment with the use of preparations such as: Dulcobis, Bisacodyl Gsk, Bisacodyl – Ir, Bibloc – Ir, Dulcobis – Ir, Bisacodyl Vp.

Lactulosum and the above-mentioned preparations contain bisacodyl and lactulose. Both active substances have a laxative effect, so their simultaneous use will increase the laxative effect, which may lead to dehydration and even damage to the intestines. If the drugs have been prescribed by different physicians, it is advisable to consult again to determine if the drugs can be used simultaneously and if so, whether their dosage needs to be changed.

In addition, Lactulosum may interfere with:

1. with antacids;
2. with oral anticoagulants;
3. from doperidol;
4. with licorice root.

Remember that lactulose lowers the pH in the colon. Accordingly, preparations with a pH dependent release can be inactivated.

What interactions are there between popular drugs? Check: Dangerous interactions

Lactulosum and pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be consulted with a doctor. The same is the case with Lactulosum. If the patient is pregnant, breastfeeding, or thinks she may be pregnant or planning to have a baby, consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Lactulosum.

What is worth remembering when using drugs during pregnancy? Check: Pregnancy and medications

Lactulosum – price and availability

Lactulosum is available in most pharmacies in Poland. Its price depends on the capacity of the bottle and the manufacturer. The prices are as follows:

1. Hasco lactulose – 150 ml package approx. 10 PLN, 500 ml package approx. 27 PLN;
2. Lactulosum Polfarmex – 150 ml package, about PLN 8;
3. Bitter lactulose – 150 ml package approx. 12 PLN, 200 ml package approx. 13 PLN;
4. Lactulosum Aflofarm – 150 ml package, about PLN 9;
5. Lactose Takeda Forte – 150 ml package, about PLN 11.

Medicines that contain lactulose are also:

1. Duphalac in oral solution – 150 ml package approx. PLN 13, 300 ml package approx. PLN 20;
2. Duphalac Fruit in an oral solution – 500 ml packaging, approx. PLN 30;
3. Lactulose – MIP in syrup – 200 ml package approx. PLN 18, 500 ml package approx. PLN 35, 1000 ml package approx. PLN 60;
4. Normalac in syrup – 200 ml package approx. PLN 11;
5. Solaq in syrup – 200 ml package approx. PLN 15, 500 ml package approx. PLN 28.

Which drugs are free for seniors? Check: We know the list of free medicines for seniors