Lactulose
Price range: £5.99 through £8.99
Lactulose 3.335g/5ml Oral Solution is a gentle, sweet-tasting osmotic laxative used to relieve occasional or chronic constipation. By safely drawing water into the bowel, it softens hard stools and encourages natural, comfortable bowel movements without irritating the digestive lining.
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Gentle Action: Softens stools naturally over 2–3 days.
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Suitable for All Ages: Can be used by adults, children, and infants (under medical guidance).
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NHS Registered: Sourced from verified UK pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Lactulose 3.335g/5ml Oral Solution is an effective and widely trusted osmotic laxative used to treat the symptoms of short-term and chronic constipation. It is also clinically indicated for the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (a brain disturbance caused by severe liver disease).
Unlike stimulant laxatives, which force the bowel muscles to contract, Lactulose works naturally with your body. It is a synthetic sugar solution that is poorly absorbed by your gut. Instead, it travels unchanged to the large intestine (colon), where it is broken down by native gut bacteria into mild acids. This process creates an osmotic effect, drawing water directly into the bowel. The influx of moisture softens hard, compacted stools and increases their volume, gently stimulating regular bowel movements.
Because Lactulose relies on your body’s natural digestive timeline to hydrate the colon, it can take 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days) to see the full therapeutic effect. It is safe for long-term use under medical supervision and is suitable for adults, the elderly, and children when appropriately prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional.
Additional information
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
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| Dimensions | 10 × 10 × 3 cm |
| Size | 300ml, 500ml |
Directions
Lactulose solution can be taken diluted with water or fruit juice, or it can be swallowed directly from a medicine spoon or measuring cup.
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Take your doses at the same time each day (e.g., during breakfast).
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Swallow the medicine quickly; do not keep it in your mouth as the high sugar content can damage tooth enamel over time.
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Crucial Tip: Drink plenty of fluids (approximately 1.5 to 2 litres or 6–8 glasses a day) while taking laxatives to help the medicine work effectively.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Lactulose can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These are typically mild and disappear after a few days as your body adapts.
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Very Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): Flatulence (wind) and mild abdominal cramps or bloating during the first few days.
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Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. If nausea occurs, try taking your dose with a meal or diluting it with fruit juice.
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With High Doses: Diarrhoea. If you experience loose, watery stools, reduce your dose immediately. Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and an imbalance of your body’s essential salts (electrolytes).
Important Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Lactulose if you:
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Are allergic (hypersensitive) to lactulose or any of standard manufacturing sugars.
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Suffer from galactosaemia (a rare inherited inability to process galactose).
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Have a gastrointestinal obstruction (blocked bowel) or a perforation/risk of perforation in your digestive tract.
Take special care and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you:
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Have diabetes. While the standard dose for constipation does not typically affect blood glucose, high doses used for liver conditions provide significant sugar and must be factored into your daily management.
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Are lactose intolerant. This solution contains small amounts of sugars including lactose, galactose, and epilactose.
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Have been told by a doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars.
Ingredients
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Active Substance: Each 5 ml of oral solution contains 3.335g of pure lactulose.
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Other Ingredients (Excipients): Purified water. Traces of raw sugar components from the manufacturing process may remain, including lactose, galactose, fructose, tagatose, and epilactose. It contains no artificial colourings.
Storage Instructions
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Store below 30°C.
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Do not freeze. Freezing can cause the thick sugar syrup to become too viscous to pour or crystalise permanently.
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Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
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A natural, slight darkening of the syrup colour may occur over time. This is normal for concentrated sugar solutions and does not alter the therapeutic efficacy of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Lactulose take to work?
Lactulose is an osmotic laxative, meaning it must travel entirely unchanged to the large intestine to begin drawing water in. Because of this slow digestive path, it typically takes 24 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days) before you notice a soft bowel movement.
Can I use Lactulose during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Yes. Lactulose is very poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning exposure to a developing baby or an infant via breast milk is minimal. It can be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if necessary, though it is always best practice to consult your midwife, pharmacist, or GP before starting new medications.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
If you miss a dose, simply take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
What happens if I take too much Lactulose?
Taking an excessive amount will likely cause diarrhoea and abdominal pain. If this happens, stop taking the medication, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and consult a doctor if the diarrhoea does not stop within 24 hours.
