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Lactulose for Constipation, Chronic User Reviews (Page 3)

Brand names: Enulose, Kristalose, Cholac Constilac Generlac

Lactulose has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 84 reviews for the treatment of Constipation, Chronic. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 23% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Lactulose

  • Another...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 28, 2020

"Haha I am so laughing you guys are funny. So mine is chronic for almost a year, after it started in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Its 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 stop working. Which most of the stuff give such bad cramps. So I thought to try Lactulose. Well its been day 3 with 15ml morning and 15ml night. I went twice which is so little and feeling its not enough. Earlier I took 40ml and the gas, its just gas "

3 / 10
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11 Report
  • lrose...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 26, 2022

"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 (110lbs 5ft 6in man) so I take a small dose, 10mL 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 4-8oz 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 15mL 2x/ day and now maintain with up to 10mL nightly, occasionally 15mL 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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6 Report
  • DaDude
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 24, 2021

"The negative effects of this medication make it the worst I have ever experienced in 70 years of living! Abdominal bloating, incredible painful stomach pressure, diarrhea, sweating, pressure on the prostate gland and hardly not relief from constipation. Let the user beware!"

1 / 10
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9 Report

Frequently asked questions

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

"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 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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  • Dubya
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 30, 2021

Duphalac (lactulose) "I was struggling to pass bowel motions so decided to seek advice from a pharmacy. They asked what medication I was on. I informed them that I took Gliclacide for diabetes & Allopurinol for gout. They recommended Duphalac. I have following observations and advice. The leaflet recommended a dose of 15 - 45ml. I chose 15ml. within two hours I had a HYPO and bowel motions that lasted over an hour on & off. There was no warning of that possibility. Also I noted that the plastic bottle container cap was not childproof!! I do not recommend this product....AVOID."

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

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

"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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  • Patie...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2021

"I’m on 30ml, 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 on 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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6 Report
  • Joy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2021

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

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • John...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 27, 2022

"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 15ml cautiously and then another 15ml 20 minutes later, nothing much happened apart from gas until 6pm when I got cramps but that was from more gas. After 6pm I took a further 20ml 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 30ml in one go this time. I laid 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 30ml 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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  • Boss
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 18, 2023

"After trying several other medications that didn’t work, my doctor prescribed Lactulose at 30ml twice a day, I decided to take 15ml 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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2 Report
  • Chris
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 11, 2022

"I'm only 28 years old almost 29 an I've suffered from chronic constipation since I was a young kid an all thru my teenage years with many trips to the emergency department to get treatment such as enemas an was also given movicol fluid until very recently I was prescribed Lactulose I'm on 20mls daily an 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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  • Dukie
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 20, 2021

Enulose (lactulose) "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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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 8, 2022

"I developed chronic constipation out of nowhere and am a vegetarian, had tests run , colonoscopy etc no answers but was suffering daily everyday. Tried dietary changes , bowel training ,movicol , Metamucil , more water you name it . Became extremely debilitating and distressing . After 8 months of this nightmare I tried Lactulose ( Actilax) and whilst it took a week to really work now I’m having a normal BM same time daily . I’m currently taking 20 ml twice daily you may need to see what dose works for you. I know medicine isn’t always a long term solution but when you are suffering it’s worth a shot until you can find another solution I will keep taking it daily along with a healthy diet etc until I can see another specialist. Beware initially can cause bloating and discomfort so start off slowly and drink plenty of water and build up dose rather than start big ."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 5, 2022

"I have tried this stuff twice over the last 5 years and still doesn't work I've had 25ml twice this time and it does nothing which annoying because when I sent the person to get laxatives in the first place I told them to not buy this but the guy behind the counter said it was the best but twice in the last 5 years I bought this and it doesn't work. First time I was 18 years old now I'm 23"

1 / 10
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  • Carina
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 14, 2021

"I have been constipated badly , many visits to ER Urgent care and many CT scans X-ray and always dry stools stuck in the intestines One doctor prescribed Lactulose At first cause me bloating I called the pharmacist and recommended 15 ml and Gas X together. Now I have my normal BM"

10 / 10
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  • Linda
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 20, 2022

"I've had issues with constipation on and off my entire life, may be the cause of my decades of migraines actually. Once went an entire MONTHS without going, can you even imagine that?! Got a high colonic (colon cleanse) and that flushed it all out! This time a Dr. prescribed this lactulose stuff for me, thought I'd give it a try. Suggested 30 ml. a day, three days later, NOTHING but gas! Today, the fourth day, I decided to up the dose! So I took TWO 30 ml. doses, 5 hours apart, and BOOM! Had one BM and I KNOW there's lots more still in there, very bad gas too. I am feelin ga little crampy, so probably tomorrow will continue higher dose and will go again. Eventually I will lower the dose back down and even see if I can quit altogether as laxatives become a crutch that you cant function without eventually. I don't take any other drugs, no pain meds, and I eat healthy and am healthy in every other aspect but the migraines and constipation, would LOVE to get rid of those!"

7 / 10
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1 Report
  • Grate...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 28, 2022

"I was prescribed Lactulose for constipation that had troubled me for over three years. Had tried other medications . I took Lactulose for two months every day as prescribed , and now have been with no medicaion at all for over a month. I had no adverse effects while taking it, and would return to it if I need."

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  • Honesty...
  • November 27, 2021

"Brand: XactDose Manufacturer: VistaPharm Dose: 20g/30mL Great results with this medication. I was using Miralax for a few days (4 or so) but didn't get any results. I then took XactDose after going to a doctor. First day taking it, I felt really gassy & bloated within 3-4 hours. My second day I experienced the same things, only this time I actually expelled a good amount stool. It felt like a decent burden was done away with and I felt lighter. It's my go to whenever I get really constipated, it works very well. Didn't get same results with generic lactulose (10g/15mL) that I got after I ran out of XactDose. I even tried a double dose of it. Maybe I should've tried one more day with the doubled dose? Oh, and it seems like Sam's Club pharmacy is the only place that is able to get this for you now. Many pharmacies don't have it. Call around and ask for lactulose made by the manufacturer VistaPharm and save yourself some gas."

10 / 10
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  • Han
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 27, 2023

"Has anyone gained weight using lactulose? I’ve been taking it daily for the past almost two years. It works well for me, but the weight part is annoying. 20 pounds ugh. I don’t know how to get the weight off. I don’t eat a lot. I drink liters and liters of water. I’m frustrated. Please someone tell me how to lose the weight."

8 / 10
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  • Bjorn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 27, 2023

"Lactulose 30ml twice a day with lots of water, doesn't seem to work on its own for me. I still need Senokot every three days to get things out, but I think the lactulose at least makes it soft so my hemorrhoids can heal. At this dose, a bottle only lasts 10 days, so I'm hoping I can reduce the dose gradually."

7 / 10
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  • Gastr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 20, 2022

"The taste isn't too bad, smells and tastes like a melted banana popsicle. Day 1 and 2 it worked. 15 ml 3 times a day but now it longer works. Taking daily and back to nothing. Not even the gas. Nothing."

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 23, 2012

Constulose (lactulose) "This is the best medicine I've ever used for my constipation. I also have irritable bowel syndrome."

10 / 10
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121 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 25, 2019

"I tried everything, metamucil, colace, dulcolax, magnesium supplements, miralax 3 days. Don't mess around with these just get a prescription for lactulose.... done!"

9 / 10
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43 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 31, 2012

Generlac (lactulose) "Only thing that actually works!"

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • shego...
  • August 10, 2011

"Lactulose works don't know why. Lactolose is gentle and actually works. I just about gave up until got this medicine. I take a few Vicodins a day and I needed something to help."

10 / 10
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58 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.