API

Lactulose

Drug classification

Dosage form

Oral Solution

API strength per dosage

3.40gm/ 5ml

Dose

Adults: 15–30 mL orally once daily, adjusted as needed. Pediatrics: 5–10 mL orally once daily (1–5 years); 10–15 mL once daily (6–12 years). Elderly and renal/hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment required; use lowest effective dose.

Mechanism of action

Indications

Constipation, hepatic encephalopathy, portal-systemic encephalopathy, prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, stool softening in patients with hemorrhoids or post-colorectal surgery.

Side effects

Pregnancy category

Category B

Precautions

Contraindications

Galactosaemia, gastrointestinal obstruction, risk of perforation, hypersensitivity to lactulose or excipients, acute surgical abdominal conditions, unformed ileostomy or colostomy.