Lactulose Treatment: What It Is and How It Helps
Lactulose is a sugar‑derived medicine you take by mouth or through a tube. It isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream; instead, it stays in the gut where it draws water into the colon. That extra moisture softens stool and encourages a regular bowel movement. In the liver world, the same process traps ammonia, a toxic waste, and helps the body get rid of it, reducing brain fog in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
When Do Doctors Prescribe Lactulose?
Most people hear about lactulose for two reasons. First, it’s a go‑to for chronic constipation when fiber and lifestyle changes aren’t enough. Second, doctors use it to lower ammonia levels in people with severe liver disease. If you have cirrhosis, a swollen liver, or a history of sudden confusion, your physician may add lactulose to your daily regimen to keep your mind clear.
How to Take It Correctly
Dosage varies. For constipation, adults usually start with 15‑30 ml (about one to two tablespoons) once a day. You can increase the amount until you have two soft stools a day. For hepatic encephalopathy, the goal is a soft, mushy stool after each dose. Typical dosing is 20‑30 ml three times a day, but your doctor will fine‑tune it based on blood ammonia checks.
Mix the liquid with water or juice if the taste bothers you. If you’re using the powder form, dissolve it in a glass of liquid before drinking. Take it at the same times each day to keep the effect steady. Don’t skip doses; missing a round can let ammonia build up again.
Watch for side effects. The most common is gas and bloating—think of a balloon filling up in your belly. Some people get cramps or mild diarrhea, especially if they take too much. If you notice watery stools, reduce the dose a little until you find a balance. Severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting means you need to call your doctor right away.
Interactions are few, but a few cautions help. Lactulose can affect the absorption of other oral meds, so keep a gap of at least an hour between taking lactulose and other pills. If you’re on antibiotics, let your doctor know—some antibiotics can change how gut bacteria break down lactulose, altering its effect.
When to see a professional? If you go more than three days without a bowel movement, call your provider. Likewise, if you’re treating liver‑related issues and notice confusion, disorientation, or sudden mood changes, get medical help fast. Those signs could mean ammonia is creeping back up.
In everyday life, combine lactulose with simple habits for best results. Drink plenty of water, move around a bit each day, and aim for a fiber‑rich diet when possible. Even though lactulose does the heavy lifting, a healthy routine keeps everything running smoothly.
Bottom line: lactulose is a practical, inexpensive option for stubborn constipation and for keeping ammonia low in liver disease. Start with the dose your doctor recommends, watch for gas or loose stools, and adjust as needed. When you follow the guidelines, you’ll likely feel relief in your gut and a clearer head.