Constulose
Constulose is a prescription oral solution containing lactulose, a synthetic sugar that acts as an osmotic laxative. It is broken down in the colon into organic acids, which draw water into the bowel to soften stools and stimulate bowel movements. It is also used to reduce blood ammonia levels in patients with severe liver disease by trapping ammonia in the gut and promoting its excretion.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adult constipation, the standard dose is 15 to 30 mL (10 g to 20 g) taken orally once daily, which can be increased to 60 mL daily if necessary. For portal-systemic encephalopathy, the typical adult dose is 30 to 45 mL three to four times daily. Pediatric dosing for constipation must be guided by a physician.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a pediatrician. Infant dosing typically starts at 1.25 to 2.5 mL daily under strict clinical supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mL
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Can be mixed with juice, water, or milk to mask the sweet taste and prevent nausea.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 to 5 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust dosage to achieve 1 to 2 soft stools daily. Decrease dose if diarrhea or abdominal cramps occur.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 5 to 7.5 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure the child maintains adequate hydration and fluid intake during laxative therapy.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 5 to 10 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Note that it may take 24 to 48 hours for the therapeutic laxative effect to become apparent.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Consult a pediatrician. Infant dosing typically starts at 1.25 to 2.5 mL daily under strict clinical supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 2.5 mL | Once daily | Can be mixed with juice, water, or milk to mask the sweet taste and prevent nausea. |
| 8-10 kg | 2.5 to 5 mL | Once or twice daily | Adjust dosage to achieve 1 to 2 soft stools daily. Decrease dose if diarrhea or abdominal cramps occur. |
| 11-15 kg | 5 to 7.5 mL | Once or twice daily | Ensure the child maintains adequate hydration and fluid intake during laxative therapy. |
| 16-20 kg | 5 to 10 mL | Once or twice daily | Note that it may take 24 to 48 hours for the therapeutic laxative effect to become apparent. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of chronic constipation and prevention/treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy (hepatic encephalopathy).
Generic Name
LactuloseScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.