Generic Lactulose Solution

Manufacturers vary.  Picture is provided only as a representation of product. 

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Lactulose may be used as a stool softener to treat constipation. In liver disease it may also be used to reduce the level of ammonia in the blood. This will help prevent hepatic encephalopathy, which is a condition associated with cirrhosis of the liver.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• If the medicine is a liquid, shake well before using and measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• Some cats may dislike the taste of lactulose.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

• The following side effects may occur: excessive amount of gas in the stomach or intestines, gastric distention, cramping. These effects may decrease over time.
• Diarrhea is the most common side effect. Ensure your pet has plenty of clean water available to drink. If diarrhea is persistent or dehydration occurs, contact your veterinarian.
• If using this medication for hepatic encephalopathy, contact your veterinarian if symptoms worsen or if your pet has less than 2 to 3 stools per day.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication or supplements you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• The following drugs can potentially interact with lactulose: other laxatives, antibiotics, and oral antacids.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Lactulose (Rx)

Trade Names:

Cephulac

Chronulac

Kristaloset

General Description:

This drug is a medication that is used in dogs and cats to help increase the amount of fluid in the colon thereby softening the stool. It can also be used to increase the amount of ammonia that is excreted in the stool. Lactulose is available in the form of a powder as well as a syrup.

What is this drug?

• A disaccharide sugar molecule
• Given by mouth

Reasons for prescribing:

• To treat constipation
• To treat hepatic encephalopathy

What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

• Animals with diabetes
• Animals that are dehydrated
• Animals that have electrolyte imbalances
• Animals that may be pregnant or nursing
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication

Directions:

Read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

Discuss with your veterinarian if this medication is to be given with food.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Baseline blood work may be recommended to assess your pet's general health before starting this medication.

Periodic blood work to monitor its effects on the body may also be advised if long term therapy is necessary. Dose adjustments may be made based upon these results and an assessment of how your dog or cats is responding clinically.

Ensure that your pet has access to fresh water at all times while using this medication.

Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily.

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask a veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Lactulose should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct light.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

• This medication can affect the gastrointestinal system causing cramping, flatulence, and diarrhea
• This medication may cause drooling in cats as they do not like the taste of this medication
• This medication may cause dehydration
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving lactulose in conjunction with: antacids, antibiotics, and other laxatives
• Drugs other than those listed may also interact with lactulose
• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet receives more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, lactulose should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about lactulose. If you have any questions or concerns about lactulose or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.