Enulose

Generic name: Lactulose Solution (Encephalopathy) [ LAK-tyoo-lose ]
Brand names: Enulose, Generlac
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 12, 2024.

Uses of Enulose:

• It is used to treat or prevent certain brain or mental problems caused by liver disease. It may be used by mouth or rectally.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Enulose?

• If you have an allergy to lactulose or any other part of Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)).
• If you are allergic to Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)); any part of Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are on a low-galactose or lactose-free diet.
• If you are taking other laxatives.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Enulose?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor. Some of these products have sugar.
• If you will be having a certain type of exam (proctoscopy or colonoscopy), talk with your doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Enulose) best taken?

Use Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Oral:

• Do not take antacids at the same time as Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)). Talk with your doctor.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)).
• Mix liquid with water, milk, or fruit juice to make it taste better.

Rectal:

• Some products may be used as an enema. If you are using Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) as an enema, it will be given rectally by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Related/similar drugs

MiraLAX, lactulose, polyethylene glycol 3350, Xifaxan, rifaximin, neomycin, polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes, Movantik, GoLYTELY, Relistor

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Diarrhea.
• Dehydration and electrolyte problems can happen in people who have diarrhea. Talk with the doctor about what to do to prevent dehydration and electrolyte problems.

What are some other side effects of Enulose?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burping.
• Stomach cramps.
• Gas.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Enulose?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Do not freeze.
• Protect from light.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Enulose (lactulose solution (encephalopathy)), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer