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Lactulose Solution Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Lactulose 10g/15mL; soln; for oral or rectal administration.
Pharmacological Class
Colonic acidifier.
How Supplied
Contact supplier.
Manufacturer
Lactulose Solution Indications
Indications
Prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, including the stages of hepatic pre-coma and coma.
Lactulose Solution Dosage and Administration
Adult
Oral: 30–45mL 3–4 times daily; may adjust dose every day or two to produce 2–3 soft stools daily. Hourly doses of 30–45mL may be used to induce rapid laxation initially; when laxative effect has been achieved, reduce dose to recommended daily dose. Maintenance: continue recommended daily dose. Rectal: may be given as a retention enema via a rectal balloon catheter. Mix 300mL of lactulose solution with 700mL of water or physologic saline, retain for 30–60 minutes. May repeat every 4–6 hours; if evacuated too promptly, may be repeated immediately. Start oral route before stopping enema entirely.
Children
Oral: Individualize dose to produce 2–3 soft stools daily. Infants: initially 2.5–10mL in divided doses. Older children and adolescents: 40–90mL/daily. If initial dose causes diarrhea, reduce dose immediately; discontinue if diarrhea persists.
Lactulose Solution Contraindications
Contraindications
Patients who require a low galactose diet.
Lactulose Solution Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Lactulose Solution Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Perform thorough bowel cleansing with non-fermentable solution prior to electrocautery procedures during proctoscopy or colonoscopy. Diabetes. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.
Lactulose Solution Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Lactulose Solution Interactions
Interactions
Avoid concomitant laxatives. Caution with concomitant oral anti-infectives (eg, neomycin); monitor closely. May be antagonized by non-absorbable antacids.
Lactulose Solution Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Gas, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; infants: also hyponatremia, dehydration.
Lactulose Solution Clinical Trials
See Literature
Lactulose Solution Note
Notes
Formerly known under the brand names Cephulac, Chronulac, Evalose.
Lactulose Solution Patient Counseling
See Literature
