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GENERIC NAME: LACTULOSE - ORAL (LACK-tew-lohss)

BRAND NAME(S): Chronulac, Constilac, Constulose, Duphalac, Evalose

Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation.

OTHER USES: Lactulose may also be used to treat and prevent complications of liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy).

HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth. To improve the taste, the dose may be mixed in a glass of fruit juice, water or milk. Take this medication as prescribed.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause gas, belching or stomach cramps. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these effects while taking this medication: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication must be used cautiously in children and the elderly. If diarrhea results, notify your doctor. A dosage adjustment may be necessary. Do not take any other laxative medications while taking this drug. Frequent or excessive use of laxatives can cause dehydration. Symptoms include: muscle weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness. This medication must be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication contains galactose and lactose. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have diabetes.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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lactulose-oral, Chronulac, Constilac, Constulose, Duphalac, Evalose

What is constipation?

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but ...

Read the Constipation article »



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