• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
LACTULOSE (LAK tyoo lose) powder is a laxative derived from lactose. It helps to treat chronic constipation.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Back to Top

What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

Back to Top

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• diarrhea

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• belching, flatulence
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain or discomfort

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Back to Top

How should I use this medicine?
Dissolve contents of the packet in half a glass (4 ounces) of water. Shake well before using. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Back to Top

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Back to Top

What may interact with this medicine?

• antacids
• neomycin
• other laxatives

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Back to Top

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Patients who require a low-galactose diet.

Back to Top

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This medicine may not produce any result for 24 to 48 hours. Do not take this medicine for longer than directed by your doctor or health care professional.

Drink plenty of water with each dose of this medicine.

Back to Top

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• need a galactose-free diet
• scheduled for surgery
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lactulose, other sugars, medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Back to Top

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Back to Top

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

Back to Top

Where can I get more information?
More Information

Back to Top