| DRUG | SUPPLIED | DOSE | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| LACTULOSE (Paeds) Mechanism of action: Osmotic laxative; synthetic disaccharide Ref: 4, 423, 424, 425 Last update: 2022-12-19 |
syrup: 667 mg/mL |
Laxative: Children: 1.5 mL/kg/dose (1 g/kg/dose) PO once daily - BID Adult: 15 to 30 mL (10 to 20 g) PO once daily-BID Portal Systemic Encephalopathy (PSE): Adjust dose to produce 2 to 3 soft stools/day: Children: 0.3-0.4 mL/kg/dose (0.2-0.3 g/kg/dose) PO BID-TIDAdults: 15-45 mL/dose (10-30 g/dose) PO BID-TID. In acute episodes, 45 mL (30 g) may be given Q1-2 hr until laxative effect achieved, then adjust to produce 2 to 3 soft stools/day. |
Laxative onset within 24-48 hr. Use with caution in diabetics due to the lactose and galactose released from drug. Contraindicated in galactosemia. May cause flatulence, abdominal distension and discomfort. May be administered with juice, milk or water to improve palatability. Dilute in water prior to administering through a gastric or feeding tube, and flush before and after administration. Standard Prescription: lactulose__mL PO__(frequency) |