HWN Suggests

PubChem

Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide derivative of lactose that is most commonly used as a laxative agent despite also being formally indicated to serve as an adjunct therapy in treating portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE).

Despite being first synthesized in 1929, investigations regarding its possible use as a laxative for the treatment of chronic constipation did not occur until the 1960s and its first clinical use for treating PSE was not until 1966.

Nevertheless, although lactulose received formal FDA approval in 1977 and has since become a readily available generic and brand-name non-prescription medication listed on the World Health Organization's List of Essential…

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 Polyethelyne Glycol vs. Lactulose

Overall, the meta-analysis found polyethylene glycol to be more effective than lactulose at increasing stool frequency, relieving pain, and reducing the need for additional products in both adults and children. Therefore, the researchers contend that polyethylene glycol should be preferred over lactulose when treating chronic constipation.

Articles of Interest

Lactulose and Lactose Intolerance

Lactulose is a man-made sugar, commonly used as a stool softener to treat constipation. Lactulose contains lactose and is not recommended for use by people who have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Taking this medication to treat constipation if you're lactose intolerant can cause cramping, diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain. Talk with your doctor before you use this stool softer or any other medication to treat a medical condition.

Low-Dose Lactulose as a Prebiotic for Improved Gut Health and Enhanced Mineral Absorption

Although medium and high doses of lactulose are used routinely for the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy, respectively, a wealth of evidence demonstrates that, at low doses, lactulose can also be used as a prebiotic to stimulate the growth of health-promoting bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Resources

Duphalac

Duphalac® is an effective medicine for constipation that can be used by all the family. The active ingredient of Duphalac® is lactulose, which helps to soften the consistency of stools so they are easier to pass.

NHS

For constipation in: adults – the starting dose is usually 15ml taken twice a day children aged 5 to 17 years - the usual dose is 5ml to 20ml twice a day children aged 1 to 4 years – the usual dose is 2.5ml to 10ml twice a day babies aged 1 to 11 months – the usual dose is 2.5ml twice a day

Patient

Lactulose can take up to 48 hours to have an effect. If you find the medicine makes you feel queasy, mix your dose with some water or fruit juice. Alternatively, take your doses with a meal.

StatPearls

First, the colonic metabolism of sugars causes a laxative effect via an increase in intraluminal gas formation and osmolality which leads to a reduction in transit time and intraluminal pH. This laxative effect is also beneficial for constipation.