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Constulose

side effects drug center constulose (lactulose solution, usp 10 g/15 ml) drug - patient side effects and images

 

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Constulose Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Cephulac, Cholac, Chronulac, Constilac, Constulose, Duphalac, Enulose, Evalose, Generlac, Heptalac, Kristalose

Generic Name: lactulose (oral)

What is lactulose?

Lactulose is used to treat chronic constipation.

Lactulose is sometimes used to treat or prevent certain conditions of the brain that are caused by liver failure. These conditions can lead to confusion, problems with memory or thinking, behavior changes, tremors, feeling irritable, sleep problems, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness.

Lactulose may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of lactulose?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using lactulose and call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea.

Common side effects may include:

  • bloating, gas;
  • stomach pain;
  • diarrhea; or
  • nausea, vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about lactulose?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Constulose Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lactulose?

You should not use lactulose if you are on a special diet low in galactose (milk sugar).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • diabetes; or
  • if you need to have any type of intestinal test using a scope (such as a colonoscopy).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take lactulose?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Mix lactulose powder with at least 4 ounces of water, milk, or fruit juice.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Lactulose should produce a bowel movement within 24 to 48 hours.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned colonoscopy or proctoscopy procedure.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Avoid freezing.

The liquid may turn darker in color, but this will not affect the medicine. Do not use the medicine if it becomes very dark or gets thicker or thinner in texture.

Constulose Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, or symptoms of low blood potassium or low blood sodium (confusion, weakness, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

What should I avoid while taking lactulose?

Ask your doctor before taking any other laxative or an antacid, and take only the type your doctor recommends.

What other drugs will affect lactulose?

Other drugs may affect lactulose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about lactulose.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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