Lactulose Solution (Encephalopathy)

What is this medication?

LACTULOSE (LAK tyoo lose) prevents and treats hepatic encephalopathy, a condition where the liver does not clear toxins from the body. It works by decreasing the amount of toxins in the blood. This decreases symptoms.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Acilac, Cephulac, Cholac, Chronulac, Constilac, Constulose, Enulose, Generlac

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Need a galactose-free diet
• Scheduled for surgery
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lactulose, other sugars, medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

You may be directed to take this medication rectally. If so, you must follow specific directions from your care team. Please contact them.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antacids
• Neomycin
• Other laxatives

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may not produce any result for 24 to 48 hours. Do not take this medication for longer than directed by your care team.

Drink plenty of water with each dose of this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Stomach cramping
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

This medication may darken in color under normal storage conditions. This is because of the sugar solution and does not affect the way the medication works. If the solution becomes extremely dark in color, contact your care team before use.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.