Skip to main content

Lactulose User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Enulose, Kristalose, Cholac Constilac Generlac

Lactulose has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 142 reviews on Drugs.com. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Lactulose

  • Albert
  • December 24, 2020

For Constipation, Acute "Wow! I took 60 mLs of lactulose and OH WOW, two hours later my farts became atomic. They kept coming, one after another - shooting out like a machine gun. Once I raced to the toilet it was as if a hydrogen bomb had gone off. The back splash was a deluge, almost a tidal wave. It was mind altering."

Was this helpful?YesNo
159 Report
  • Blondie
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 6, 2020

For Constipation, Chronic "Have suffered constipation with 45 years having tried everything Doctors prescribed me, did the high fiber diet , you name it I've tried it. I discovered lactose 4 months ago and wish I had discovered it years ago. I have the right dosage for me down to a T so as not to suffer cramps or embarrassing wind. For me it as been great I'm not sick with constipation anymore."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
137 Report
  • Vaana
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2020

For Constipation, Chronic "I have suffered from terrible constipation my whole life ... I'm 61 now. I eats tons of vegetables, drink lots of water and have tried Fybogel and other bulking agents. Nothing worked! 3 weeks ago I had an operation and was advised to take Lactulose to avoid straining my wound. Well... what a transformation. Since then I take 30mls per day and have a perfect bowel movement daily. I only wish I had discovered lactulose earlier in my life. I'm lucky in that I actually enjoy the sweet syrup and I suffer very little wind at all. Everyone's different but I would definitely say it's worth a try."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
128 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Kenle...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 7, 2018

For Constipation, Chronic "This worked well to soften hard stools and make straining unnecessary but it surprisingly gave me an irregular heartbeat after taking it for two weeks. I did not realise what the source of the irregular beats was for a few days, but when I stopped taking the lactulose my heart was back to normal in a couple of days. Could just be coincidence and unconnected to the lactulose but after digging deep into an FDA site I found that 5% of users find it can cause some type of heartbeat irregularity - AF, palpitations, slow beats, fast beats etc. Hope that is useful to someone."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
148 Report
  • Anon
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 8, 2019

For Constipation, Chronic "I'm on lactulose 15-30ml for almost two years. I've had constipation my entire life. Until I was four I thought it was normal. I've bounced from specialist to specialist. Nobody can give me a diagnosis, but all I knew was the feces buildup was releasing toxins into my body and it was just unhealthy. An xray of my torso showed that the buildup was literally putting pressure on my lungs and it had impacted my breathing. Specialists gave me one of two options: laxatives or surgery. So, I tried countless laxatives, diets, exercise regimens. The only thing that's helped so far in my 15 years of life is sennas and enemas, both of which are extremely painful and give me awful diarrhea. Until lactulose. It's helped tremendously, and I can have natural movements. The only uncomfortable thing is all the flatulence, but that's better than curling up into a ball in pain."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
121 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Is...
  • August 16, 2019

For Constipation, Chronic "My daughter was constipated for 3 weeks. After two hospitals, one prescribed Lactulose. 45 ml three times a day. It’s been 5 days and all that has happened is diarrhea. Is that normal?? Is that the stool that has liquified?"

Was this helpful?YesNo
108 Report
  • MiMi
  • August 23, 2020

For Constipation, Chronic "I have a muscle contraction condition that won't allow me to go. I poured a load of lactulose in orange juice and 20 minutes later I barely made it to the toilet for my blow out. If you eat or drink anything you'll blow every time. It takes an entire day to get back to normal. The gas would've set my house on fire is I didn't have an electric stove. I took about 3 tablespoons and it was worth the relief I felt."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • jenny
  • September 18, 2015

For Constipation, Chronic "I have been severely constipated on and off for four years, I have tried other laxatives they barely worked for me. Before my Doctor prescribed this to me I couldn't produce a bowel movement for a month I was really sick I couldn't eat or drink for days at a time, I was running fevers I couldn't walk and I was fainting. I take 90 ml three times a day, its a really high dose so be sure to take your own recommended dose, but I can now use the bathroom at least twice a day. My stools were literally compacted and now I am all cleared out. I highly recommend this medication."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
136 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 10, 2012

For Constipation, Chronic "Just start at one tablespoon (15 ml.) and then start increasing the dosage one teaspoon (5 ml. every day until your bowel movement is soft. There are very few complications. It can be taken safely for decades. In fact, you may have to increase the dosage over time."

Was this helpful?YesNo
166 Report
  • Jaws
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 7, 2020

For Constipation, Chronic "This drug is a miracle worker, as I have MS and slow digestive transit as a result my stools dry out and I have can’t go for 7-8 day’s... as a result. Taking only 25ml of lactose ever second day does the trick, no bloating, no pain just regular movements that are normal to pass. Side effect for me is, yes, wind normally 4-8 only hours 6 hours after taking dose, but 4 hours wind Is a small price to pay. It is very sweet, sweeter than sugar, but actual like it, I must have a very sweet tooth. It’s in no way unpleasant to take just sweet."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
66 Report
  • Rellik
  • January 10, 2021

For Constipation, Chronic "Overall after being on high doses of pain meds constipation has gotten worse and worse over the last year. I've tried many things and the only thing that's really helping is lactulose. Some people might find this medicine not so good or it doesn't work but for me this has been kind of life-saving. Within 3-6 hours I know I'll be going to the bathroom. It does relieve constipation pretty fast. It all depends on your weight and how much of this stuff you want to put into your body.... Without this I would be in tears crying. I have even been to the emergency room. Mixing this with Linzess is best. I advise anybody to try this because it has been very successful for me..There are many days that I still have constipation but lactulose does eventually work when you get the right dosing in your body.. Thanks"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • Puddin
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 10, 2019

Generlac (lactulose) for Constipation, Chronic "I’ve been struggling to have a bowel motion for years. I am on a high dose of OcyContin and OxCodone daily due to pancreatic cancer and so have what they call Opioid induced constipation. I was going two weeks without having a bowel motion then my doctor started me on Generlac and it works wonderfully. I took 30ml for first dose and 24 hours later I was on the toilet. I take 15ml daily to keep me going. No cramping or diarrhea....just a little gas."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • kamo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 10, 2015

Generlac (lactulose) for Hepatic Encephalopathy "Initial symptoms included brain fog, disorientation, and confusion. I took the lactulose for one week... all symptoms disappeared. However, I must advise you to stay close to the bathroom. Also, I should note that my physician said that I may be taking this medication for the rest of my life and I'm only 47 years old."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
112 Report
  • CMano
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • April 8, 2018

For Constipation, Chronic "Doctor prescribed 3x/day. It worked and still works wonderfully after 7 years. But, 3x/day was too much. I decided nightly before bed and it works GREAT. Sometimes I have to take a double dose, but I'll tell you, this medicine is a dream come true for me as when I am not going (I have Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‑C)) I get sick as a dog, nausea, cramping, lightheaded and more. Don't be afraid to experiment in the beginning to find the right dose and dosing schedule for you."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
81 Report
  • CKR
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 18, 2014

Generlac (lactulose) for Constipation, Chronic "This was the only treatment that worked after my hemorroidectomy - had to go to the ER to get this prescription though after three days of constipation from the paid meds - too bad my surgeon did not prescribe this to me earlier."

Was this helpful?YesNo
115 Report
  • MissM...
  • January 9, 2014

For Constipation, Chronic "I've taken codeine and morphine for a long time and have been constipated for years, on and off. I've tried senna, Movicol and they'd take at least 5 days to work. And the taste of 2 Movicol sachets with 250ml, was yuck. Also made me bloated. I've started lactulose on 15ml 3 times a day but around 2 hours after taking 15ml I was going to the bathroom! It's very convenient too as I just add the 15ml to a drop of juice/squash. Very happy to have found something so good but it does cause me a lot of wind."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
116 Report
  • Damns...
  • June 14, 2009

For Constipation, Acute "I was given this bottle of Lactulose by the local hospital where I am currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. My constipation causes me more pain than I can describe, the cramps and vomiting have caused me quite a few sleepless nights. I felt the pain coming on at about 3 in the afternoon and was expecting to be in agony by 7pm. I took the Lactulose at about 3.30pm and by 7pm I was alright and the cramps disappeared and no vomiting. I cannot state how much relief I felt knowing that I would get a good nights sleep without pain and constipation. I've just rang my family to let them know that I've finally found something that gives me relief without grief. Best yet."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
145 Report
  • Just...
  • October 27, 2013

For Constipation, Chronic "This is a miracle. Taking Oxycodone makes you so conspipated it's not funny. I take 80ml-100ml which is a dose I wouldn't recommend to someone taking it for the first time. Start small and see how it works for you. I take it right before bed. And by the time I wake up, it's toilet time, every time. Sometimes I will get a slight pain in my stomach during sleeping and it can't wait till my usual wake up time."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
105 Report
  • Kitty...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2014

For Constipation, Chronic "I've suffered with Irritable Bowel Syndrome all my life, got worse in adulthood. Mixture of constipation and diarrhea. I'm now 6 months pregnant, got no more IBS cramps, but painful gas that doesn't pass. I took this for the first time in my life this morning at 9 AM. Took 30mls as suggested by the pharmacist. Only ONE hour later and I'm having bowel movements and a lot of wind. No pain or cramps for once! Only thing is it's been non stop toilet runs for 10 hours. "

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
100 Report
  • Sllkam
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 21, 2020

For Constipation, Chronic "I took 30ml twice a day on day 1 then 30ml three times a day on day 2 then today on day 3 I've taken 30ml twice and it has done nothing for me besides give me really bad gas and make me feel like I'm going to poop myself sometimes when I do pass gas"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • tinks...
  • December 24, 2014

For Constipation, Chronic "12 weeks pregnant and constipated really bad with no movement for nearly 7 days. I had really bad tummy ache and I couldn't take much with being pregnant. Pharmacist gave me this (liquid) and after about 4 hours it was gone. So pleased. Best thing I've ever used for constipation."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
89 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 14, 2009

For Constipation, Chronic "I have been on a large dose of Morphine for years for my worsening back problems. I have gone as long as 8-10 days without a bowel motion. Lactulose is the only thing that has worked. Usually within 4-6 hours I will start having BM's. I haven't had any side effects, not even cramping. I use 15 to 30 cc on an as needed basis. I did read that you should not use Lactulose if you are diabetic because it is a sugar."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
106 Report
  • Kbblue
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2020

For Constipation, Chronic "After reading others comments on their experience with lactulose, frankly I'm jealous. I was prescribed this for "moderate constipation" which left me in such bad pain that I went to the ER. I've been taking 15ML per day for 3 days. And.... Not a burp, not a fart, absolutely nothing. The day after my first dose I got "the poo cramps" and gleefully raced to a toilet only to be left disappointed and still full of you know what."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report
  • Baldie
  • August 1, 2019

For Constipation, Acute "I am a middle-aged woman. I’ve had constipation issues since I can remember. I’ve become used to going twice a week. But chemo for cancer treatment recently put me over the one-week mark and I was in agony when prescribed stool softeners and every other OTC thing I threw at it did nothing. This drug lactulose worked. Took a 15ml dose (3 tsp with a nice little syringe measure that came with) then repeated two hours later with a big drink of water and bowels moved several times shortly after second dose. It made my stomach rumble and gave me diarrhea, but it was worth it. (Stay home and close to a toilet.) I Dialled back the dose and then stopped altogether for now but it was the kickstart I needed. It’s a relief to know it’s in the arsenal. It is kind of thick and very sweet, but that was not a dealbreaker for me. (May be mixed into food or drink, but I just quickly drank it straight.) Highly recommend for those struggling."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Westb...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 3, 2021

For Constipation, Chronic "I have never written a review for a product but wished to register for an account to share my experience for those of you that may be experiencing a similar problem. I'm 50, gym fit, 2 personal training sessions a week and a text book nutritional intake. I had not taken a laxative in my life, but suddenly I could not goooooooo. This has been going on for 8 weeks. Tied Laxido, Dulcolax, and Fibogel and the eventually came across this site and decided to try Lactulose. It really took me a week to tailor the measurement to my body, initially taking 45ml doses twice a day - bed and with breakfast. This dose caused runny poo, bloating and obscene gas. I then knocked it down to 15ml similar times and hurrahhhhhhh I have found the perfect dose. I have been 5 mornings in a row, comes out easily and formed. The sudden bowel change and family medical history of bowel cancer ensued that I have a colonoscopy booked in for next Tuesday. Good luck all - find the correct measure for you"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.