Lactulose
Osmotically Acting Laxatives
Sold as Enulose
- Drug class
- Osmotically Acting Laxatives
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral, Rectal
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 13
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 1,584
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that acts as an osmotic laxative [1]. It is approved for the prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, including hepatic pre-coma and coma [1]. Studies have demonstrated that lactulose solution can lower blood ammonia levels, which often corresponds with improvements in mental state and electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns [1]. Approximately 75% of patients have shown a clinical response to lactulose therapy [1].
This medication is available under various brand names, including Enulose [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 1584 adverse event reports associated with lactulose [2]. Common reasons for reporting include off-label use, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and pneumonia [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 4 | April 24, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 2 | September 15, 2025 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 7 | March 22, 2025 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
4 products
Uses
1. For the treatment of constipation. 2. For the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE): treatment and prevention of hepatic coma or precoma
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
2 products
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
For the treatment of constipation. In patients with a history of chronic constipation, lactulose solution therapy increases the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days on which bowel movements occur.
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
7 products
7 products on record with this regulator. Detailed label text (uses, dosage, side effects) is being ingested — the original document is linked under Sources [3].
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Lactulose. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 519. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL179070534 · revised April 24, 2026
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 0f19e4ed-c90a-43… · revised September 15, 2025 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 00854409 · revised March 22, 2025
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.