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This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation. It may help to increase the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days you have a bowel movement. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool. It is a man-made sugar solution.OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug, but may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug is also used to treat or prevent complications of liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy).
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Kristalose
Uses
This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation. It may help to increase the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days you have a bowel movement. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool. It is a man-made sugar solution.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug, but may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug is also used to treat or prevent complications of liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy).
Notes
- Do not share this product with others.If you use this product for an extended time, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze because this will make the medication too thick to pour.
- If it becomes frozen, warm it to room temperature until it is pourable again.
- A normal darkening of color may occur.
- If too much darkening occurs and you cannot swallow it, discard the medication and get a refill.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach cramps, diarrhea.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily for constipation, or as directed by your doctor.
- If you are taking the solution, to improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert.
- If you are using the crystals in packets, dissolve the contents of the packet in half a glass of water (4 ounces or 120 milliliters), or as directed by your doctor.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Remember to take it at the same time each day.
- Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.It may take up to 48 hours to have a bowel movement.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
- Gas, bloating, burping, stomach rumbling/pain, nausea, and cramps may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps/weakness, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking lactulose, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a low galactose diet (e.g., a diet that includes few or no milk products), certain other bowel problem (bowel obstruction).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes.The elderly may be at a greater risk for loss of blood minerals (e.g., potassium, sodium) while using this drug, especially if they are using it for an extended time.Do not take any other laxative medications while taking this drug.
- Frequent use or overuse of laxatives can cause a severe loss of body water (dehydration).
- This is especially likely to occur in children or the elderly.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms of dehydration: muscle weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness.Before having surgery or other procedures (e.g., electrocautery), tell your doctor or surgeon that you are using this medication.This medication contains different sugars.
- If you have diabetes, this medication may affect your blood glucose levels.
- Monitor your blood glucose regularly, and share the results with your doctor.
- Your anti-diabetic medications or diet may need to be adjusted.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids containing aluminum and/or magnesium, other laxatives.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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