Lactulose
Solution · Oral, Rectal
Uses
For the treatment of constipation. In patients with a history of chronic constipation, lactulose solution therapy increases the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days on which bowel movements occur.
Dosage and administration
The usual dose is 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls (15 to 30 mL, containing 10 g to 20 g of lactulose) daily. The dose may be increased to 60 mL daily if necessary. Twenty-four to 48 hours may be required to produce a normal bowel movement. Note: Some patients have found that lactulose solution may be more acceptable when mixed with fruit juice, water or milk.
Contraindications
Since lactulose solution contains galactose (less than 1.6 g/15 mL), it is contraindicated in patients who require a low galactose diet.
Warnings
WARNINGS A theoretical hazard may exist for patients being treated with lactulose solution who may be required to undergo electrocautery procedures during proctoscopy or colonoscopy. Accumulation of H 2 gas in significant concentration in the presence of an electrical spark may result in an explosive reaction. Although this complication has not been reported with lactulose, patients on lactulose therapy undergoing such procedures should have a thorough bowel cleansing with a non-fermentable solution. Insufflation of CO 2 as an additional safeguard may be pursued but is considered to be a redundant measure.
Precautions
General Since lactulose solution contains galactose (less than 1.6 g/15 mL) and lactose (less than 1.2 g/15 mL) it should be used with caution in diabetics. Information for Patients In the event that an unusual diarrheal condition occurs, contact your physician. Laboratory Tests Elderly, debilitated patients who receive lactulose for more than six months should have serum electrolytes (potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide) measured periodically. Drug Interactions Results of preliminary studies in humans and rats suggest that non-absorbable antacids given concurrently with lactulose may inhibit the desired lactulose-induced drop in colonic pH. Therefore, a possible lack of desired effect of treatment should be taken into consideration before such drugs are given concomitantly with lactulose solution. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility There are no known human data on long-term potential for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility. There are no known animal data on long-term potential for mutagenicity. Administration of lactulose solution in the diet of mice for 18 months in concentrations of 3 and 10 percent (v/w) did not produce any evidence of carcinogenicity. In studies of mice, rats, and rabbits, doses of lactulose solution up to 6 or 12 mL/kg/day produced no deleterious effects in breeding, conception, or parturition. Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in mice, rats, and rabbits at doses up to 3 or 6 times the usual human oral dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to lactulose. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when lactulose solution is administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Side effects
Precise frequency data are not available. Initial dosing may produce flatulence and intestinal cramps, which are usually transient. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhea with potential complications such as loss of fluids, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia. Nausea and vomiting have been reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apozeal Pharmaceuticals Inc. at tel: 1-833-688-7848 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug interactions
Drug Interactions Results of preliminary studies in humans and rats suggest that non-absorbable antacids given concurrently with lactulose may inhibit the desired lactulose-induced drop in colonic pH. Therefore, a possible lack of desired effect of treatment should be taken into consideration before such drugs are given concomitantly with lactulose solution.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in mice, rats, and rabbits at doses up to 3 or 6 times the usual human oral dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to lactulose. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Pediatric use
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Overdosage
Signs and Symptoms: There have been no reports of accidental overdosage. In the event of overdosage, it is expected that diarrhea and abdominal cramps would be the major symptoms. Medication should be terminated. Oral LD 50 : The acute oral LD50 of the drug is 48.8 mL/kg in mice and greater than 30 mL/kg in rats. Dialysis: Dialysis data are not available for lactulose. Its molecular similarity to sucrose, however, would suggest that it should be dialyzable.
Description
Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide in solution form for oral administration. Each 15 mL of lactulose solution contains: 10 g lactulose (and less than 1.6 g galactose, less than 1.2 g lactose, and 1.2 g or less of other sugars). The pH range is 2.5 to 6.5. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier which promotes laxation. The chemical name for lactulose is 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructofuranose. The molecular formula is C 12 H 22 O 11 . It has the following structural formula: The molecular weight is 342.30. It is freely soluble in water. structure
How supplied
Lactulose Solution is available as follows: 8 fl oz (237 mL) bottle NDC 83745-405-08 16 fl oz (473 mL) bottle NDC 83745-405-16 32 fl oz (946 mL) bottle NDC 83745-405-32 Lactulose Solution contains lactulose 667 mg/mL (10 g/15 mL). Store between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Do not freeze. Under recommended storage conditions, a normal darkening of color may occur. Such darkening is characteristic of sugar solutions and does not affect therapeutic action. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 86°F (30°C) or to direct light may cause extreme darkening and turbidity which may be harmaceutically objectionable. If this condition develops, do not use. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures may cause change to a semi-solid, too viscous to pour. Viscosity will return to normal upon warming to room temperature. Dispense in original container or in a tight,light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure. Rx Only Manufactured by: APOZEAL PHARMACEUTICALS INC. 2091 Hartel St Levittown, PA 19057 Made in USA Revised 11/2024 logo
Patient information
Information for Patients In the event that an unusual diarrheal condition occurs, contact your physician.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by APOZEAL PHARMACEUTICALS INC (revised Jul 23, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Lactulose in 27 products
Lactulose NDC products (27)
Frequently asked questions
What is Lactulose used for?
For the treatment of constipation. In patients with a history of chronic constipation, lactulose solution therapy increases the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days on which bowel movements occur.
What are the side effects of Lactulose?
Precise frequency data are not available. Initial dosing may produce flatulence and intestinal cramps, which are usually transient. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhea with potential complications such as loss of fluids, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia. Nausea and vomiting have been reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apozeal Pharmaceuticals Inc. at tel: 1-833-688-7848 or… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Lactulose?
Lactulose is listed by 16 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including American Health Packaging, APOZEAL PHARMACEUTICALS INC, Atlantic Biologicals Corp., Cardinal Health 107, LLC.