Constulose

Generic name: lactulose 
Drug class: Laxatives

What is Constulose

Constulose can be used to treat constipation. It can increase the number of daily bowel movements and the days when bowel movements are observed for patients who have a background of persistent (long-lasting) constipation.¶

• Prescription-only

Prior to using Constulose

• When deciding whether to take a medication, the potential risks of using the medication must be considered against the benefits it will bring. This is a decision that you as well as your physician make. To determine the appropriate medicine it is important to take the following into assessed:

Allergies

• Discuss with your physician If you’ve ever experienced an unusual or unrelated reaction to this medication or any other medication. Be sure to inform your health specialist if you suffer from any other kinds of allergies, like dyes, foods, or preservatives. You may also be allergic to animals. For non-prescription medications, review the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

• The right studies haven’t been conducted to determine the connection between age and the effects of Constulose in the infant population. The safety and effectiveness of Constulose have not been proven.

Geriatric

• It is not clear what information is available regarding the connection between age and Constulose affects elderly patients.

Breastfeeding

• There aren’t enough studies on women to determine the risk to infants when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risks that could be associated with using this medication during nursing.

Interactions between medicines

• Certain medicines shouldn’t be combined in any way In other instances, two medicines can be taken together, even though there is a chance of interaction. In these instances, the doctor might decide to alter the dosage or make other precautions required.
• If you are taking this medication it is essential that you inform your healthcare provider whether you’re currently taking one or more of the drugs mentioned below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.
• Utilizing this medicine in conjunction together with any of the following medications is generally not advised, however it may be necessary for some instances. If two medicines are prescribed at the same time and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or frequency you take one or both of the drugs.
  • Droperidol
  • Levomethadyl
  • Licorice
• Utilizing this medicine in conjunction in conjunction with one of the following medications could result in an increased risk of some adverse reactions, however, having both medicines in combination could be the best option for you. If both medications are prescribed by your doctor, they could alter the dosage or frequency at which you take one or both drugs.
  • Acenocoumarol
  • Dicumarol
  • Lithium
  • Phenprocoumon
  • Warfarin

Interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or food

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or near the time of having food items or eating particular kinds of food, as interactions can happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction with certain medicines can result in interactions. Talk to your doctor about the interaction of your medicine when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical conditions

The presence of any other medical issues could impact the usage of this medication. It is important to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical issues particularly:

• Use with caution. This condition can cause it to get worse.

• Galactose diets with low lactose levels should not be administered to patients on this diet.

• Medical tests or surgery on your colon or rectum (eg, colonoscopy, proctoscopy)–Patients undergoing these procedures should have a thorough bowel cleansing with another medicine (eg, non-fermentable solution).

How to use Constulose

This section provides guidance about the correct use of several products that contain Constulose. It might not be applicable to Constulose. Be sure to read it with care.

Use this medication exactly as instructed by your physician. Don’t take more of it, and don’t use it more often, and don’t take it for any longer duration than the doctor has prescribed.

Dosage and administration

Oral

Adult:

The typical adult dosage of oral can be 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml with 20 g to 30 grams of Constulose) 3 or 4 times a day. The dosage can be adjusted daily or for two days, or to make two or three soft stools every day.

Doses that range from 30 to 45 milliliters of Constulose can be administered to trigger the rapid laxation that is recommended in the first phase of treatment for portal-systemic encephalopathy. Once the effect of the laxative has been obtained, the dosage of Constulose could be decreased to the daily dosage recommended.

Improvement in the condition of the patient can occur in as little as 24 hours, however, it might not be evident until 48 hours, or perhaps later.

Long-term treatment is recommended to reduce the severity and to prevent a repeat occurrence of portal-systemic encephalopathy. The dosage of Constulose prescribed for this goal is similar to the dose recommended for daily use.

Pediatric

A lack of information regarding how to use Constulose by young children or adolescents has been gathered. Like adults, the goal for treatment should be to produce between 2 and 3 soft stool stools per day. Based on the data that is available, the suggested daily dose of oral medication for the infant can be 2.5 to 10 ml divided doses.

For adolescents and older children, The daily dosage for adolescents and older children is between 40 and 90 milliliters. If the initial dose triggers diarrhea, it should be reduced as soon as possible. If diarrhea does not stop the Constulose dosage should be stopped.

Rectal

If an adult sufferer is at the stage of coma or coma portal-systemic cerebrovascular encephalopathy and the threat of aspiration is present or if the procedure of intubation or endoscopic are physically impeded by the administration of doses prescribed for oral use, Constulose solutions can be administered to the patient as an enema for retention through the Rectal balloon catheter. Cleaning enemas that contain soapsuds or other alkaline substances are not recommended.

Three hundred milliliters of Constulose solution must be mixed with 700mL of physiologic saline and kept for 30 to 60 mins. The enema can repeat every four to six hours. If the enema has been accidentally eliminated too fast the procedure can be repeated in a flash.

The purpose of treatment is to reverse the coma stage so that the patient will be in a position to take oral medication. The reversal of coma can occur within two hours after the first enema for some patients. Constulose is administered orally in the doses prescribed must be initiated prior to Constulose through enema is removed completely.

Missed dose

If you are missing the dose of this medication make sure you take it as quickly as you are able. If it’s close to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose, and go back to your usual dose schedule. Do not take double doses.

Storage

Place the medication in a tightly sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat, and bright light. Avoid the medicine from freezing.

Keep away from the reach of children.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medicines that are no longer required.

Consult your physician to tell you how to dispose of any medicine that you do not take.

What to avoid

It is crucial to have your doctor examine your improvement after you have taken this medication. This will enable your doctor to determine whether the medication is working correctly.

Get in touch with your doctor immediately in case you are suffering from severe diarrhea.

Do not take any other medications in the absence of discussing with your physician. This includes prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medications as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

Constulose side effects

In addition to its beneficial effects, medicines can result in unwanted adverse effects. While not all of these adverse effects can be present, if they do occur, they might require medical attention.

Consult your physician immediately If any of these adverse effects happen:

Incidence unknown

• Confusion
• less urine
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• Heartbeats that are irregular or fast
• an increase in thirst
• irritability
• lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• mood shifts
• Muscle pain, cramps, or muscle twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• Tingling or numbness in the feet, hands, or the lips
• insanity
• seizures
• severe diarrhea
• swelling of the lower or feet
• Trouble breathing
• unusual fatigue or weakness

Certain side effects can be experienced but they usually do not require medical treatment. These symptoms may be eliminated after treatment, as the body adapts to the medication. Additionally your health professional might be able to inform you of ways to avoid or minimize the effects of these adverse side effects. Consult your physician in the event that any of these symptoms persist or become troubling or if there are any questions regarding these:

Incidence unknown

• Bloated
• Gas or excess air can be found within the stomach, or the intestines
• full feeling
• passing gas
• abdominal or intestinal cramps

Other adverse side effects that are not listed could also be present in certain patients. If you observe any other symptoms, consult with your doctor.

Consult your physician to seek medical advice on possible side effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

How supplied

• Constulose solution, USP contains Constulose 670 mg/mL (10 g/15 mL).
• Keep it in the refrigerator between 36deg and 86degF (2deg between 30 and 30 degrees Celsius). Do not freeze.
• In the conditions of storage that are recommended, there is a natural darkening of the color can occur. The darkening of color is common to sugar solutions and doesn’t interfere with therapeutic effects. Excessive exposure to temperatures over 86 degF (30degC) or exposure to sunlight can cause extreme darkening and turbidity that could be considered to be unsuitable for use in pharmaceuticals. If this happens be sure to not use it.
• Long-term exposure to freezing temperatures can cause the change to become semi-solid which is too viscous and difficult to spread. Viscosity returns back to normal when it is heated to ambient temperature.

Package label

More details

Always consult your doctor to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your specific situation.