Lactulose oral solution dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes lactulose oral solution’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for lactulose. If you want to know more about lactulose oral solution, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Lactulose oral solution is a generic version of the brand-name drug Generlac. Lactulose also comes in an oral powder form, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

Form and strength of lactulose

Lactulose oral solution comes as follows:

• Form: liquid solution that you swallow
• Strength: 10 grams per 15 milliliters (g/mL)

Dosage of lactulose

This article describes the recommended dosages for lactulose oral solution. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of lactulose oral solution without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of lactulose in adults

Lactulose oral solution is approved to treat constipation in adults.

Dosage for constipation

The recommended dosages for lactulose oral solution are:

• Usual dosage: 1–2 tablespoons (tbsp), which is around 15–30 milliliters (mL), once per day
• Maximum dosage: 4 tbsp (60 mL) per day

Missed dose of lactulose

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of lactulose oral solution. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of lactulose oral solution and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about lactulose oral solution and its dosage.

When is the best time of day to take my lactulose dose?

Take lactulose oral solution at the time recommended by your doctor. You can usually take it at any time during the day. But taking it at the same time every day helps you remember to take it.

If you have more questions about taking your dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What do I do if my dose of lactulose oral solution is not working?

After a dose of lactulose, it can take 24–48 hours for you to have a bowel movement. If you haven’t had a bowel movement within this timeframe, talk with your doctor. They may prescribe a different dose of the drug.

How long does it take a dose of lactulose to start working?

It can take 24–48 hours for a dose of lactulose oral solution to work. Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned or haven’t had a bowel movement within this timeframe.

Is lactulose taken long term?

No, doctors don’t usually prescribe lactulose oral solution as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.

If you have questions about how long you should take lactulose oral solution, talk with your doctor.

How lactulose is taken

You’ll swallow lactulose oral solution once per day. You can take this medication with or without food.

Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Lactulose coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for lactulose when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of lactulose

It’s important that you do not take more lactulose oral solution than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of lactulose overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps

What to do if you take too much lactulose

If you think you’ve taken too much lactulose, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for lactulose oral solution. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of lactulose oral solution without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take lactulose oral solution exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Can I mix lactulose oral solution with water or juice?
• How long can I take lactulose oral solution?
• Do you need to change my dosage of lactulose oral solution if I’m taking other drugs with it?
• Does lactulose oral solution need to be stored in the refrigerator?
• What color should lactulose oral solution be?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.