Lactulose oral

Therapeutic action

Osmotic laxative.

Indications

Prevention of constipation in patients taking opioid analgesics such as codeine and morphine.

Forms and strengths

• 10 g/15 ml oral solution, to be administered using a measuring device.

Dose and duration

Start lactulose when analgesic treatment continues more than 48 hours.

Lactulose must be taken daily until the end of the opioid treatment. Regular follow up of stool frequency and consistency is essential in order to adjust dosage correctly.

• Child under 1 year: 5 ml daily (3.3 g daily).
• Child from 1 to 6 years: 5 to 10 ml daily (3.3 to 6.7 g daily).
• Child from 7 to 14 years: 10 to 15 ml daily (6.7 to 10 g daily).
• Child over 14 years and adult: 15 to 45 ml daily (10 to 30 g daily).

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal obstruction, or undiagnosed abdominal pain.
• May cause abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and diarrhoea.
• In the event of diarrhoea, exclude faecal impaction and intestinal obstruction, then reduce the dose.
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication.