Generlac
Generlac (lactulose) is an osmotic laxative oral solution. It is a synthetic disaccharide (sugar) that is not absorbed by the body. It breaks down in the colon into mild organic acids, drawing water into the bowel to soften stools. In patients with severe liver disease (portal-systemic encephalopathy), it helps decrease blood ammonia levels by trapping ammonia in the gut and facilitating its excretion.
Dosage by Body Weight
For constipation, the standard adult dose is 15 to 30 mL (10 to 20 grams) orally once daily, which may be increased to 60 mL daily if necessary. For hepatic encephalopathy, the adult dose is typically 30 to 45 mL three or four times daily, adjusted to produce 2 to 3 soft stools per day. Pediatric dosing is highly individualized and must be managed by a healthcare provider.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 to 1 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Must be prescribed and monitored by a pediatrician. Adjust to achieve 1-2 soft stools daily.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1 to 2 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust dosage based on response to achieve 1-2 soft stools daily.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 2 to 3 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust dosage as tolerated. Discontinue or reduce dose if diarrhea occurs.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 3 to 5 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor closely for electrolyte imbalance if used long-term.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 5 to 10 mL
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- May be mixed with water, fruit juice, or milk to improve taste.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.5 to 1 mL | Once or twice daily | Must be prescribed and monitored by a pediatrician. Adjust to achieve 1-2 soft stools daily. |
| 5-7 kg | 1 to 2 mL | Once or twice daily | Adjust dosage based on response to achieve 1-2 soft stools daily. |
| 8-10 kg | 2 to 3 mL | Once or twice daily | Adjust dosage as tolerated. Discontinue or reduce dose if diarrhea occurs. |
| 11-15 kg | 3 to 5 mL | Once or twice daily | Monitor closely for electrolyte imbalance if used long-term. |
| 16-20 kg | 5 to 10 mL | Once or twice daily | May be mixed with water, fruit juice, or milk to improve taste. |
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.