Lactulose for constipation

About lactulose

Constipation is a common problem. It can mean either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty your bowels, or passing hard or painful stools. Constipation can be caused by a number of things. Not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. Some conditions (such as pregnancy) can cause constipation, as can a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines.

Often, increasing the amount of fibre in your diet (such as by eating more fruit, vegetables, cereals, and wholemeal bread) and drinking plenty of water each day can effectively prevent or relieve constipation. You will have been recommended lactulose, a laxative, to help relieve constipation if you cannot increase the fibre in your diet or if this is insufficient. Lactulose works by drawing fluid into your bowel, which makes your stools softer and easier to pass. It is available on prescription, and it can also be bought without a prescription at pharmacies.

Lactulose also changes the acidity of the stools and this helps to discourage the growth of some germs (bacteria) present in the bowel. Because of this, lactulose is also prescribed for people with a liver disease called hepatic encephalopathy. If you have been prescribed it for this reason, ask your doctor if you need further information about the medicine.

Before taking lactulose

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking lactulose it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Si está tan estreñido que cree que puede tener una obstrucción.

• If you are unable to digest milk sugar (lactose intolerant).

• If you have a condition called galactosaemia, where your body cannot process galactose.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lactulose is not known to be harmful to a baby, but while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If it is intended for a child. This is because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos, incluidos los que se pueden comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y medicamentos complementarios.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take lactulose

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about lactulose and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• Take lactulose exactly as your doctor tells you to, or as directed on the pack. The usual dose for constipation in an adult is 15 ml (three 5 ml spoonfuls) twice daily, although the dose you are advised to take may be different from this as it will be adjusted to suit your needs.

• If a doctor or healthcare professional has recommended lactulose for your child, check the label on the pack carefully to make sure that you give the correct dose for the age of your child.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, no se preocupe, tome la siguiente dosis cuando corresponda. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar la dosis olvidada.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Lactulose can take up to 48 hours to act, so it may take two or three days before you feel the full benefit. However, if after several days you do not feel your symptoms are improving, or if they get worse, you should speak with a doctor for further medical advice.

• It is important for you to drink plenty while you are constipated. Adults should aim to drink at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do, but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.

• Intente seguir una dieta equilibrada que contenga alimentos ricos en fibra, como panes y cereales integrales, fruta y verdura, arroz integral y pasta integral. Si no está acostumbrado a una dieta rica en fibra, puede ser mejor que aumente la cantidad de fibra que ingiere de forma gradual.

• Mantener el cuerpo activo le ayudará a mantener el sistema digestivo en movimiento, así que intente hacer algo de ejercicio diario con regularidad.

• You may wish to include some foods in your diet that contain sorbitol. Sorbitol is a naturally occurring sugar. It is not digested very well and draws water into your bowel which has an effect of softening stools. Fruits (and their juices) that have a high sorbitol content include apples, apricots, gooseberries, grapes (and raisins), peaches, pears, plums, prunes, raspberries and strawberries.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate health information leaflets called Constipation (for adults) and Constipation in Children.

Can lactulose cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones which can occur with lactulose. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse al medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store lactulose

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera de la vista y del alcance de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos