LACTULOSE

Brand & Generic Names

Cholac
Chronulac
Constilac
Duphalac
Enulose
Generlac
Portalac

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Laxative (hyperosmotic)

Uses

• Constipation relief.
• Treats brain changes caused by liver disease.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Liquid--Dilute dose in beverage before swallowing.

When to take:
Usually once a day, preferably in the morning.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 8 hours before bedtime. If later, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose). Don't take at bedtime.

What drug does:
Draws water into bowel from other body tissues. Causes distention through fluid accumulation, which promotes soft stool and accelerates bowel motion.

Time lapse before drug works:
30 minutes to 3 hours.

Don't take with:
Another medicine. Space 2 hours apart.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Fluid depletion, weakness, vomiting, fainting.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Increased thirst, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, gaseousness.

Infrequent:

Irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps.

Rare:

Dizziness, confusion, fatigue, weakness.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any hyperosmotic laxative.
• You have symptoms of appendicitis, inflamed bowel or intestinal blockage.
• You have missed a bowel movement for only 1 or 2 days.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have congestive heart disease.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have a colostomy or ileostomy.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have a laxative habit.
• If you have rectal bleeding.
• If you take another laxative.
• If you require a low-galactose diet.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
No proven problems. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Don't take for more than 1 week unless under a doctor's supervision. May cause laxative dependence.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
Don't take to "flush out" your system or as a "tonic."

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Laxatives, other*	Diarrhea.
Neomycin	Increased effect of both in brain
	changes caused by liver disease.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.