Pronunciation: LAK-tyoo-lose
Generic Name: Lactulose
Brand Name: Kristalose
Lactulose Crystals are used for:
Treating constipation. It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Lactulose Crystals are a colonic acidifier. It works by drawing water into the colon, which increases pressure in the colon to then stimulate bowel movements.
Do NOT use Lactulose Crystals if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Lactulose Crystals
- you have high blood galactose levels or you require a low-galactose diet
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Lactulose Crystals:
Some medical conditions may interact with Lactulose Crystals. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have diabetes, appendix problems, rectal bleeding, or an intestinal blockage
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lactulose Crystals. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Antacids because they may decrease Lactulose Crystals's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lactulose Crystals may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Lactulose Crystals:
Use Lactulose Crystals as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Lactulose Crystals may be mixed with food, fruit juice, water, or milk. It also may be taken dry from a spoon and washed down with water, juice, or milk.
- Drink one or more 8-ounce glasses of liquid with each dose.
- If you miss a dose of Lactulose Crystals and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lactulose Crystals.
Important safety information:
- Contact your health care provider if diarrhea occurs.
- It may take several days for Lactulose Crystals to work.
- Diabetes patients - Lactulose Crystals may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
- LAB TESTS, including blood electrolyte levels, may be performed while you use Lactulose Crystals. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lactulose Crystals while you are pregnant. It is not known if Lactulose Crystals are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lactulose Crystals, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Lactulose Crystals:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Belching; gas; stomach cramps.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; high blood sugar (excessive thirst or urination, confusion, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Lactulose side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; stomach cramps.
Proper storage of Lactulose Crystals:
Store Lactulose Crystals at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lactulose Crystals out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Lactulose Crystals, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Lactulose Crystals are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lactulose Crystals. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Lactulose resources
- Lactulose Side Effects (in more detail)
- Lactulose Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Lactulose Drug Interactions
- Lactulose Support Group
- 9 Reviews for Lactulose - Add your own review/rating
Compare Lactulose with other medications
- Constipation, Acute
- Constipation, Chronic
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
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