LACTULOSE

Standard Prescription

lactulose__mL PO__(frequency)

Dosages

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-TID
Adults:  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.

Mechanism of Action

Osmotic laxative; synthetic disaccharide

Forms Supplied

syrup: 667 mg/mL

Comments

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.

References

4, 423, 424, 425

Last Edited

2022-12-19 18:41:16