Lactose Anhydrous
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 3, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Lactose (C12H22O11) is milk sugar. It is a disaccharide composed of one galactose and one glucose molecule. In the pharmaceutical industry, lactose is used to help form tablets because it has excellent compressibility properties. It is also used to form a diluent powder for dry-powder inhalations. Lactose may be listed as lactose hydrous, lactose anhydrous, lactose monohydrate, or lactose spray-dried.[1]
People who are lactose intolerant do not have the enzymes needed to digest lactose. Most medications do not contain enough lactose to cause lactose intolerance. But some patients with severe lactose intolerance may experience symptoms. Lactose can be found in birth control pills, and some OTC drugs to treat stomach acid or gas.[2] Patients who are specifically "allergic" to lactose (not just lactose intolerant) should not use tablets containing lactose, or ask their health care provider prior to use.
Some examples of medications containing Lactose Anhydrous
- Cephalexin Monohydrate 500 mg
- Clonazepam 0.5 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 5 mg
- Eliquis 5 mg
- Gabapentin 300 mg
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Lorazepam 0.5 mg
- Lorazepam 1 mg
- Lorazepam 1 mg
- Ondansetron Hydrochloride 4 mg
- Ondansetron Hydrochloride 8 mg
- Tizanidine Hydrochloride 4 mg
- Tizanidine Hydrochloride 4 mg
- Tizanidine Hydrochloride 4 mg
- Tizanidine Hydrochloride 4 mg
- Tramadol Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Trazodone Hydrochloride 50 mg
References
- [1]Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
- Anon. Lactose Intolerance. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 09–2751 June 2009; http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/#products. Accessed 08/19/2011
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.