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Lactulose User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

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

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Smi...
  • July 20, 2021

For Hepatic Encephalopathy "My Dr. said this would soften stool. Well, it does do that. Like liquid water in a matter of hours. Stayed up all night on the pot with constant diarrhea and some seriously explosive gas, but I felt a lot better by morning."

10 / 10
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9 Report
  • mis...
  • January 2, 2023

For Constipation, Chronic "I have IBS-C, and it's slowly been getting worse over the years (I'm 26). I've tried everything from MiraLax to enemas. After two ER visits, I was prescribed 30 mL of lactulose. Well, I took one dose, and nothing happened, but that's because I didn't realize I needed to drink a boatload of water with it (you should drink at least 1-2 full cups of water after taking the dose). A few days later, I tried again, this time with a ton of water, and holy moly, did it clean me out. It wasn't painful; cramps weren't even that bad, just more like a lot of grumbling from my gut, and the more fluids I put in, the more my system 'cleaned house.' Sweet relief! My only qualm is the gas pockets afterward, which got a little uncomfortable, but at least I was able to go!"

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • Caz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 15, 2020

For Constipation, Acute "If you are at all sensitive to sugars, beware. What it was supposed to help just made it 1,000x worse. When I actually looked it up, I figured out why I was suffering. Was not a fun night, my poor dog, lol."

1 / 10
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11 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 9, 2024

For Constipation, Chronic "I don’t think I’ve ever left a review for anything… but this medication is truly changing my life. I have chronic constipation and have been laxative dependent nearly my whole life. I thought I would never live a normal life and I thought my body was screwed up forever. I tried everything in the book. Miralax, prunes, senna, you name it, I’ve done it. I drink 60mL of this (which is a lot, so mix it with juice) and my life has changed. I have a BM every day. I used to go over a week without a BM before forcing down laxatives. It might not work for you, everyone’s different but please give this a try. Sincerely, a very happy human who feels like they can now live a normal life."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • kja...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 10, 2016

For Constipation, Acute "I suffered from iron deficiency, and I was put on iron tablets. With these, they cause constipation, so my doctor also prescribed lactulose. It works really well, and it gives you a lot of gas and a bowel movement within eight hours of taking the medicine."

10 / 10
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16 Report

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  • Eva...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2023

For Constipation, Chronic "After a colonoscopy, I was prescribed lactulose 10 ml. I have IBS, and the colonoscopist didn’t even ask if I have IBS. Within half an hour, I was in a bad way - diarrhea, feeling sick, then after that, I got spasms and muscle cramps in my foot. I’m pretty sure that was a side effect of the medication. This lasted through the night until the next day. Most of the symptoms went away, except the foot muscle cramps, and my whole foot is sore, numb, and tingling. I’m pretty sure it is a severe electrolyte imbalance that can cause serious health problems, such as muscle spasms, twitching, a seizure, or a fit. Yes, it’s awful, and I’ve been to the doctor, and they don’t do anything. Apparently, lactulose shouldn’t have been given to me if I am an IBS sufferer. I just hope this pain goes away. Painkillers don’t even help. I will never touch this stuff again."

1 / 10
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  • lro...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 26, 2022

For Constipation, Chronic "This works better for me than Miralax — which worked well but less consistently after taking it for a few years. I am underweight due to the GI issues making it hard to eat (110 lbs, 5 ft 6 in man), so I take a small dose, 10 mL RIGHT before bed to avoid any gas pain (which isn’t bad, I sleep on my left side to help it pass, gone by AM) and drink 4-8 oz of water with it. If I’m not well hydrated, I learned I will cramp, but that’s an easy fix. By the AM after coffee, I’m good to go. No diarrhea usually, just normal stool w/o pain. No bloating or nausea either. It leaves a coating in the throat, so I chase it with juice and then drink water. I’d recommend using a syringe and aiming it past the tongue if the taste bothers you. Initially, I was backed up, so I took 15 mL 2x/day and now maintain with up to 10 mL nightly, occasionally 15 mL nightly if I’ve had a lot of carbs or fibrous veggies. I’m now able to eat well and gain weight."

10 / 10
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  • Ecl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 16, 2021

For Constipation, Acute "This worked well for me and relatively quickly too. I took my first dose at 2 pm, and by 10 pm, I was all cleared out and more comfortable than I had been for days. The process was comparatively painless, though not without its frustrations; literally hours of sitting on a toilet while a very slow but unstoppable molten flow issued from me! Other than a bit of a crampy and gurgly tummy, I suffered no side effects either. Before this, I had tried Laxido and Dulcosoft, both of which made me vomit within an hour of taking and gave me acute abdominal cramps. The taste of lactulose is much more palatable as well - it is very sweet, though could be diluted in juice or water if this bothers you."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 28, 2020

For Constipation, Chronic "Haha, I am so laughing. You guys are funny. So mine is chronic for almost a year, after it started in the third trimester of pregnancy. It's never been an issue my whole life, I'm almost 40. I have tried everything you can think of. It works and then just suddenly stops working. Which most of the stuff gives such bad cramps. So I thought to try lactulose. Well, it's been day 3 with 15 ml morning and 15 ml night. I went twice, which is so little, and feeling it's not enough. Earlier, I took 40 ml and the gas, it's just gas."

3 / 10
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  • Emi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 10, 2021

For Constipation, Acute "After a week on codeine, I hadn’t gone to the toilet properly. Tried this before contacting my GP, took the max dose, and within 2 hours it had worked and cleared me out. Only downside is I can’t trust a fart!!! It said it would take up to 48 hours to work, but didn’t expect it to work as quickly. Feel much better and less bloated."

10 / 10
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  • DaD...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 24, 2021

For Constipation, Chronic "The negative effects of this medication make it the worst I have ever experienced in 70 years of living! Abdominal bloating, incredibly painful stomach pressure, diarrhea, sweating, pressure on the prostate gland, and hardly any relief from constipation. Let the user beware!"

1 / 10
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  • Bos...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 18, 2023

For Constipation, Chronic "After trying several other medications that didn’t work, my doctor prescribed Lactulose at 30 ml twice a day. I decided to take 15 ml to be safe. Well, I did have a bowel movement, but with the worst stomach cramps and bloating. The cramps are unbearable. I only took this medication once, and it’s horrible. I personally will never take it again."

1 / 10
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  • 3...
  • August 27, 2017

For Constipation, Acute "Lactulose does not work at all. I got it in the ER and was told to go home and continue taking it. I finished the whole big bottle days ago and still nothing. Before the lactulose, I tried all the over-the-counter pills, psyllium husk, Fleet enemas, suppositories, magnesium citrate, etc., for 2 weeks. It's now approaching 3 weeks and still nothing. At least the mag citrate made me gassy, and I felt belly rumblings like there was something trying to happen, but with lactulose, no gas, bloating, nothing happening at all."

1 / 10
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  • T-H...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 6, 2023

For Constipation, Chronic "This really helps me. I have an ongoing stomach issue which leaves me constipated at times, with really bad pain. My husband brought it for me, and when I read the label, I was really disappointed as it says it takes 8 hours to work. BUT!!! To my absolute satisfaction, it worked in around 1 to 2 hours! It worked really well. But be warned to take it at home where you are readily accessible to a toilet, as you will be making a few very urgent trips once it starts working."

10 / 10
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  • Pat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2021

For Constipation, Chronic "I’m on 30 ml, 3x daily. I’ve had chronic constipation since I was a child. Water, fiber, exercise, etc., doesn’t help. I took lactulose for 4 days and was about to give up and take a stimulant laxative. I thank whatever higher power that’s up there that I waited another 20 minutes because all hell broke loose. I was in the bathroom for 42 straight minutes with a constant bowel movement. Honestly debated calling 911 a time or two or praying I could get up long enough to get water. Is it a pleasant experience? No. Is it better than hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and being completely unable to have a BM? Yup. 100%. Also, pro tip, mix it with about a 1/2 cup to a cup (measuring cup) of apple juice. Completely masks the taste."

8 / 10
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  • Nik...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 9, 2020

For Constipation, Acute "Take 45 ml in one go, usually use this for one major blowout as opposed to the 15 ml twice a day slow burner. Require constant toilet access for about 4 hours after. Toilet is pebble-dashed after, so being alone in the house while this is going on is best. Hate the consistency."

7 / 10
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  • Joy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2021

For Constipation, Chronic "I would never take this again. My naturopath prescribed it...so I figured it would be good. I got nausea, terrible abdominal cramps for hours! And I had trouble passing stools. And rectal pain and swelling! Stay away from this drug...side effects all next day!"

1 / 10
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  • Chr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 11, 2022

For Constipation, Chronic "I'm only 28 years old, almost 29, and I've suffered from chronic constipation since I was a young kid and all through my teenage years, with many trips to the emergency department to get treatment such as enemas and was also given Movicol fluid. Until very recently, I was prescribed Lactulose. I'm on 20 mls daily, and it works so well-no more pain or being curled up in a ball in a lot of pain."

9 / 10
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  • Joe...
  • February 6, 2020

For Constipation, Acute "I was prescribed lactulose for constant bloating and constipation, but the taste is disgusting and tastes so overly sweet (like drinking syrup). Apart from that, I find that it doesn't work as well at all, unlike the sodium picosulphate, which works instantly after 7 hours. This laxative isn't as effective at all, apart from that, it causes excessive wind, and they smell so bad to the point it's too disgusting to bear. Plus, I can't tell when it's a fart or a poo, neither is it scary to expel it in case I poo myself. TMI, I know, but it's true! I don't think it's as good for constipation, but it's good for wind. It also has not helped with bloating, as I still wake up bloated and have it all day and night."

2 / 10
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  • Duk...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 20, 2021

Lactulose for Constipation, Chronic "Within an hour of taking a dose, I experience severe nausea and sometimes throw up, but when it starts working, I feel somewhat better. I still feel constipated some, but not as bad as I did. The taste keeps me from taking it twice a day as prescribed, or it would probably work better."

3 / 10
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  • Thu...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 16, 2021

"Like 'weeing' out of your bottom? Take Lactulose... about 60 ml, then retire to a safe distance. Oh... you can't! This is lethal stuff. Works great if you are 'blocked up.' Tremendous flatulence, in both directions. Turns your 'poo' to liquid, which is an advantage if, like me, you have an anal fissure and any straining causes painful bleeding. USE WITH CAUTION."

6 / 10
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  • Lol...
  • November 3, 2020

For Constipation, Acute "My constipation I can manage with my diet when I’m at home and have a regular routine, but when my routine is out of sync on holiday, then it becomes a real issue. When I come back from holiday, I will take 50 mL in one go. It tastes vile, goosebumps as it’s going down. Maybe the thought of what’s ahead makes it taste worse than it actually is. After that, in about maybe 2 hours, I’ll have a movement. After that, I usually have chronic and very smelly gas. As a result, I never do this when there’s anyone in the house. Literally, I do this at 9 a.m. when my husband is gone to work. When he gets back by 6, the gas has usually subsided and I can close all the windows again! Between gas, there are trips to the bathroom, which become less and less solid until finally, it’s just all brown water. My advice is, this is excellent for a one-off where you have a day where you don’t need to be at work or anywhere else to be."

8 / 10
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  • Joh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 27, 2022

For Constipation, Chronic "Suddenly, over Christmas, I just couldn’t go, so I drank loads of water and waited a few days, but still nothing. My GF went to the pharmacy and brought back a huge bottle of lactulose. I took 15 ml cautiously and then another 15 ml 20 minutes later. Nothing much happened apart from gas until 6 pm, when I got cramps, but that was from more gas. After 6 pm, I took a further 20 ml and still had painful wind. I managed to pass a few tiny nuggets and then had to sleep on my side so I could pass wind all night. The next day, I still had similar pains. I drank a glass or two of water and had a banana for breakfast and decided to have another 30 ml in one go this time. I lay in bed sipping water and all of a sudden felt cold and feverish. Cold sweat ran down my face as I felt sick and had to run to the bathroom and vomit my guts up. My body didn’t seem to like the 30 ml I’d had. 30 minutes later, the biggest, stinkiest log was ejected from my soul, finally saved at last."

10 / 10
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  • Hel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 16, 2022

For Constipation, Acute "I suffer from constipation a lot. I generally need help once a week from a laxative. I take this when I have no other choice because it tastes so bad. It’s so thick and just disgusting. On the plus side, the stuff works. I get very, very bloated afterward, look about 6 months pregnant for 12 hours after. The gas is pretty chronic. The smell is also not great. I take huge doses in one go (50 mL plus) because it just doesn’t work other than that, sadly. I fully recommend it; however, have no callers that day to your home as toilet trips will be frequent and audible."

10 / 10
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  • ang...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2024

"Wow, I suffered really bad bloating to the point I was so exhausted. I tried everything from probiotics to digestive enzymes, nothing was helping. I felt like I had so much water retention. I thought I needed to try something to see if it helps relieve the heavy bloating feeling. I took 15 ml, and within two hours, my stomach was rumbling away, then I broke wind numerous times. As much as this is gross, I knew it was working, and the relief I got from it was amazing. I felt like a massive balloon at first that slowly got smaller. Now I feel 7 lbs lighter."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.