Lactulose

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 16, 2024

Warnings

Lactulose Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Lactulose can cause new or worsening health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for constipation or hepatic encephalopathy if you are at an increased risk of complications from lactulose use. Some of the risks of taking this medicine include:

FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES: Taking lactulose can lead to dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, such as low sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This risk is higher if you are an older adult, have been on lactulose for more than 6 months, or are taking other medications that can also cause fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, tiredness, dark urine, or reduced urine output.
ELEVATION IN BLOOD SUGAR : Lactulose is a type of milk sugar and it can potentially affect blood glucose levels. Research does not indicate that taking oral lactulose causes spikes in blood sugar, but if you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about how often you should check your blood glucose levels.
RISK DURING COLONOSCOPY: People taking lactulose can have an accumulation of a gas in their colon. During a colonoscopy or proctoscopy procedure, a spark from the electrocautery can cause complications. Tell your doctor you are on lactulose before any procedures on your colon or rectum. Your doctor will tell you how to perform a thorough colon cleanse before the procedure.

Precautions Before Starting Lactulose

Tell your doctor if you have ever had allergic reactions to lactulose, any of the active or inactive ingredients in lactulose solution, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between your medications.

Lactulose may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-lactose diet, galactose-free diet, or if you have diabetes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Precautions During Use of Lactulose

Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on lactulose.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on lactulose.

Lactulose Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how lactulose works. Possible interactions between lactulose and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions. Some of the medications that can interact with lactulose include:

Antacids
Other laxatives
Certain antibiotics, such as neomycin

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

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