What is Lactulose?

Lactulose solution is a type of laxative known as osmotic, which helps to ease constipation by stimulating bowel movements and by drawing water into hard, dry stools making them softer and easier to pass.

Lactulose Solution is made up of sugars and comes pre-prepared as a very sweet syrup which can be diluted with water if needed. It is not absorbed by the body, working solely in the gut.

This product is suitable for children and adults over the age of 14 years to treat long-term or recurring episodes of constipation. It can also be used in children, infants and babies under the age of 14 years under advice from a doctor.

Lactulose for constipation

This product can be bought from The Independent Pharmacy to help soften hard stools and stimulate sluggish bowels to help ease and treat constipation.

Constipation is a relatively common condition and can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by several different factors such as medications, lack of exercise, change in diet or illness. Taking Lactulose alongside eating high-fibre foods, drinking plenty of fluid and getting regular exercise can all help get your bowels moving, easing discomfort.

How does Lactulose work?

Like other osmotic laxatives, Lactulose draws water from other parts of the body into the gut, which is absorbed by hard, dry stools. This process makes the stool larger and softer making it easier and less painful to pass.

Because Lactulose draws water from the body, it is important while using this medicine that you continue to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

How long does lactulose take to work?

Most people will see a noticeable improvement in their bowel movements, feeling more comfortable and less bloated within 2-3 days of using Lactulose. Some people, however, will start to feel the effects of this product within 8-12 hours.

Lactulose not working?

If you have been using Lactulose for 2-3 days alongside lifestyle changes such as eating high fibre food, drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluid, at least 6-8 glasses a day, and exercising and have not seen any improvements to your constipation you should speak to a doctor for advice.

Lactulose is just one type of laxative and you may find that you get on better with a product that works in a slightly different way. For more information why not take a look at our Constipation treatments & advice page.

Taking Lactulose at night

Lactulose usually takes 2-3 days to take a noticeable effect at relieving constipation so it does not need to be taken at bedtime.

Another form of laxative known as a stimulant laxative is recommended to take at night because they work much more quickly, often producing results by the next morning or within 24 hours of taking them.

Lactulose for babies and children

Lactulose is not absorbed by the body so can be taken by babies and children under 14 years old but only under direction from a doctor. Taking laxatives under the age of 14 years should be done so with caution as this can result in children developing difficulties forming the reflexes to pass stool independently if used regularly.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laxatives/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lactulose/
• Lactulose Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5525/pil