Lactulose User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Brand names: Enulose, Kristalose Generlac Constilac Cholac
Lactulose has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 153 reviews on Drugs.com. 70% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Lactulose
- Rel...
- 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 that 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."
- Nyt...
- March 12, 2016
For Constipation, Chronic "I have had chronic constipation most of my life and never thought too much about it, I just accepted it. I've been on pain meds for close to 6 years, and they are definitely making it worse since I'm having pain, which concerned me. So, I had a CT scan to make sure the pain wasn't coming from something serious. The doctor felt the constipation was the cause. I'm on day 1 of this stuff, and I was prescribed 30 ml 3 times a day. I waited for a day I could be home in case it got bad. I had my first bowel movement about 1 hour after the dose and 3 total since the 1st dose (took 3 hours ago). I think I'm going to stick with 1 a day for now, and if it slows down, then I will add the second dose and work my way up if necessary. It tastes like honey but has a thinner consistency."
Frequently asked questions
- she...
- August 10, 2011
For Constipation, Chronic "Lactulose works, don't know why. Lactulose is gentle and actually works. I just about gave up until I got this medicine. I take a few Vicodins a day, and I needed something to help."
- Gor...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 4, 2013
For Constipation, Acute "Not going for two days due to traveling and interrupted routine can really be a problem, but two large glasses of water with one tablespoon each produces positive results within 30 min. every time. Just keep close to a bathroom for 2-3 hrs."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Ear...
- January 14, 2016
For Constipation, Chronic "I have early menopause-related constipation. For the last 5 years, moderate constipation. I've used lots of things - with success but also with fear of dependence. People have recommended lactulose as a non-dependent choice. I take 30 mL at night. It gives me a lot of wind. It does work, but it is an accumulative effect that takes about 4 days of regularly dosing to start working and produce a bowel movement... Not sure why so many others are lucky enough to get success the same day???"
- Lat...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 31, 2016
For Constipation, Chronic "Since I began taking lactulose, I have seen a marked improvement with chronic constipation. Before beginning with this med, I would sometimes not have a BM for 10 days. Since starting this medication, I have been having 4-5 BMs a week, which should increase even more as my MD increases my dosage at my next appt. Besides the relief I have experienced, I also enjoy the pleasant taste, as previous meds were horrible tasting. I would recommend this medicine as a very good treatment for chronic constipation."
- Bal...
- 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 15 ml 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 the second dose. It made my stomach rumble and gave me diarrhea, but it was worth it. (Stay home and close to a toilet.) I dialed 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."
- Anonymous
- September 29, 2008
Lactulose for Hepatic Encephalopathy "Enulose has been very efficient in making regular bowel movements."
- Lig...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 16, 2015
For Constipation, Acute "So I am a new nurse but have overcome a lot of health problems. Due to wearing a girdle to support my large hernia and lack of water from rushing around the ER, I became suddenly constipated. For three weeks it was wait until my days off and stay in the bathroom in agony. So I went to my doctor, and they gave me this, it was actually sweet! I took a shower, and by the time I was done, so was my problem! I am amazed, and my IBS even seems to be calming down!"
- Sll...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 21, 2020
For Constipation, Chronic "I took 30 ml twice a day on day 1, then 30 ml three times a day on day 2. Then today on day 3, I've taken 30 ml 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."
- Sha...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 26, 2017
For Constipation, Chronic "This has literally changed my life for the better. I have been told since I was 21 that I have IBS. I had IBS A (alternating between D & C). At 46, at my wit's end, I tried lactulose as my bowels didn’t know what they wanted! Most nights, I take 1 full soup spoon before dinner with a large glass of water, within two hours, along with huge amounts of wind, I am on the loo. If I get a little sluggish, I up the dose by 1/2 a spoon or even 1 spoon. Worst case scenario, there is more wind or a quicker dash to the loo or even a dose of D... but never any cramping anymore! I then reduce the dose. It is all about the dose. For anyone struggling, you may need a bigger dose to get it going, then a smaller dose to maintain. I have my life back! Finally, at 46, I am free again!"
- Anonymous
- September 25, 2019
For Constipation, Chronic "I tried everything: Metamucil, Colace, Dulcolax, magnesium supplements, Miralax for 3 days. Don't mess around with these, just get a prescription for lactulose... done!"
- Kbb...
- 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 15 ML 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."
- Wha...
- September 15, 2019
For Constipation, Chronic "I had to see the doctor eventually due to having an anal fissure, a very painful thing to have. I was finding it hard to get any sleep without pain. My doctor suggested taking a lactulose brand called Actilax. I haven't ever taken laxatives. My first dose was after I purchased it at lunchtime and then in the evening. The next day at lunchtime, I had a soft bowel motion twice. Two days later, I took it once a day, no more pain going or blood. I suggest not diluting, yes, it is a thick syrup with an odd taste! But drink lots of water during the day. Side effects: wind! Didn't come with the special dosage cup. Lower the dosage on the third day. I'm so surprised I have no more bleeding, which I had for weeks."
- Lor...
- October 20, 2016
For Constipation, Chronic "I've literally tried everything for my constipation. A high-fiber diet made it worse, and I was relying on more dangerous laxatives. Lactulose didn't work for me to begin with until my gynecologist told me to increase my dosage, so I take 40 ml twice a day. I now have a bowel movement every day, whereas in the past, I'd go once a week and still be blocked up. It is a lifesaver. The only negative thing about it is the water retention. It has made my stomach so bloated and made me gain about 5 lbs in water weight, but these side effects are tolerable. I'll just keep to loose-fitted tops for the mean time :)"
- Anonymous
- May 5, 2016
For Constipation, Acute "So I've been constipated for about 4 days, and I've tried everything. I went from eating more fiber to trying to force it out. I told my parents, my mom, who was clueless on what to do, told my dad, and he gave me lactulose. It took about 4 hours to kick in, and it did not hurt at all to poop, and it was just so amazing getting it all out. My stomach did feel uncomfortable before I pooped, but it really does go away. I stayed near the bathroom for about an hour, but I guess it depends."
- Old...
- December 3, 2017
For Hepatic Encephalopathy "My wife started getting dehydrated at the beginning of this year, and I repeatedly took her to urgent care for rehydration. Her symptoms would go away but come back three weeks later. During a hospital stay in Aug 2017, my wife was given Reglan in her IV to treat nausea with disastrous results. She immediately forgot where she was, who I was, or that she was in the hospital. This lasted 24 hours, but the incident left her with profound hallucinations for about three weeks. She got dehydrated again, got over-medicated on hyperidol, and then got a blood test that pinged on ammonia. It all fits. The Reglan damaged my wife’s already overworked liver, and she’s been dying of ammonia poisoning ever since. Lactulose may be a Godsend. We hope so."
- Tee...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 27, 2017
For Constipation, Chronic "My doctor put me on Constulose after years of me using over-the-counter medicine for chronic constipation. I had 3 ERCPs, a tube down my nose to drain fluid trapped in my stomach. Lots of hospital stays and the pain from not having a bowel movement is torture! I would go two weeks without having a bowel movement. I've tried senna, stool softeners, milk of magnesia, and more. Finally, my doctor wrote for Constulose 15 milliliters and warned me to only take it for emergencies. I go to the bathroom every 3 days or less now. Best medicine so far!"
- Lis...
- July 13, 2016
For Constipation, Acute "I was prescribed this only a few days ago because I generally only pass a bowel motion about once a week. My dosage is 20 mls per day, and I initially didn't think it was working, but it has most definitely kicked in now! I've had heaps of flatulence since first taking it, and now, 2 hrs after my 3rd dose, I feel about 5 kilos lighter. I'm so glad that I am not at work because the smell of this first visit to the bathroom is absolutely revolting... (sorry for over-sharing). It tastes sickly sweet, but I'm getting used to it. I think this product will actually change my life for the better. P.S. I'm in New Zealand, where a lot of medication is funded by the government."
- Anonymous
- March 14, 2018
For Constipation, Chronic "I’m 17 weeks pregnant and have been struggling even before I found out I was pregnant to empty my bowels. Before I fell pregnant, it was normal for me to poo once a week. I can’t even remember when I had my last bowel movement, it was over a week ago and very small. I rushed to the pharmacy today to get something as my stomach feels bloated and painful. I took 45 mls, and within half an hour, I started feeling sick, and an hour after that, I started cramping. Three hours later, I’m shooting to the toilet before I end up having an accident. What started off as a normal stool turned into explosive diarrhea. But I guess with 7+ days of waste in me, it was going to be a bit of a mess. So glad I took this, however, I wouldn't recommend taking it before work/going out, etc., as it can be unpredictable as to when it will take effect. Also, the wind is a bit embarrassing, so better to be in the comfort of your own home. I would recommend."
- Wes...
- 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 textbook 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. Tried Laxido, Dulcolax, and Fibogel, and 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 - in bed and with breakfast. This dose caused runny poo, bloating, and obscene gas. I then knocked it down to 15ml at 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."
- Pat...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 26, 2020
Lactulose for Constipation, Acute "The worst medication I have ever taken. Not only does it not work, it makes everything 10x worse. Painful gas and flatulence at an unprecedented level. Took it to deal with constipation post-surgery, and it made the surgery pain so much worse. Useless!"
- Ire...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 10, 2017
For Constipation, Acute "I've been taking iron off and on for the last 5 months. My red blood cell count is too low, they can't get it to stay up. But I've been getting constipated-9 days without a poo. The lactulose is great, within a few hours, I was at the toilet. It's gentle."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 31, 2018
Lactulose for Constipation, Chronic "I've been having constipation problems for a while now. I tried Linzess, and it worked just a few times, like 2 or 3, so I went back to the doctor and got Generlac. I took it on a Friday at 4 pm, and the next morning it worked. I'm so relieved. So I'm going to continue taking it every day, and I'm hoping it keeps working."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about lactulose
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- Lactulose Oral Solution
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- Lactulose Solution (Encephalopathy)
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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 blowout. If you eat or drink anything, you'll blow every time. It takes an entire day to get back to normal. The gas would have set my house on fire if I didn't have an electric stove. I took about 3 tablespoons, and it was worth the relief I felt."