What is Constulose: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Constulose overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Constulose, Enulose, Generlac, Kristalose, Equate ClearLax, GaviLAX, GaviLyte-C with Flavor Pack, GaviLyte-G with Flavor Pack, GaviLyte-N with Flavor Pack, Generlac, Gialax, Golytely, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Clear Lax, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Magnesium Citrate, Good Sense ClearLax, GoodSense magnesium citrate, Citroma, Constulose, Enulose

Generic Names:

  • Lactulose

Uses:

  • Treats constipation by helping you have a bowel movement. Sometimes used to empty your bowel before surgery or other medical procedures., Treats constipation. Also treats problems caused by liver disease.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Gastrointestinal Agent, Laxative, Hyperosmotic, Antacid, Magnesium Containing, Antidote, Gastrointestinal Agent, Laxative, Hyperosmotic, Magnesium Supplement, Phosphate Supplement, Renal-Urologic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Powder for Suspension, Capsule, Liquid, Powder for Solution, Packet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What is Constulose used for?

Lactulose is a prescription-only synthetic sugar medication that is used to relieve constipation. When taken, Lactulose is broken down within the colon to soften the stool. This medication is available as an oral solution and oral syrup.

What form(s) does Constulose come in

  • Tablet

  • Powder for Suspension

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Powder for Solution

  • Packet

  • Liquid

What are common Constulose doses?

  • Bottle 237ML of 10GM/15ML

  • Bottle 946ML of 10GM/15ML

Common Constulose prescriptions

  • Constulose
    237ml of 10gm/15ml bottle

  • Constulose
    946ml of 10gm/15ml bottle

How to take Constulose

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • To make this medicine taste better, you may mix it with water, milk, or fruit juice.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • To make this medicine taste better, you may mix it with water, milk, or fruit juice.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to mix the liquid with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water before you drink it.

  • You will need to mix the powder or the contents of the packet with water before using it. Most powders must be mixed with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. Make sure you understand how much water to mix the medicine with. Drink the mixture right after you mix it.

  • If you using this medicine to empty your bowel before surgery or medical tests, follow your health caregiver's instructions about when to use this medicine. It is important to follow the correct schedule.

  • Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine, unless your health caregiver tells you otherwise. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or 1 cup. Most people should drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water every day. Doing this will help soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass.

  • You will need to mix the powder or the contents of the packet with water before using it. Most powders must be mixed with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. Make sure you understand how much water to mix the medicine with. Drink the mixture right after you mix it.

  • If you using this medicine to empty your bowel before surgery or medical tests, follow your health caregiver's instructions about when to use this medicine. It is important to follow the correct schedule.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to mix the liquid with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water before you drink it.

  • Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine, unless your health caregiver tells you otherwise. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or 1 cup. Most people should drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water every day. Doing this will help soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass.

What to do if you miss a dose of Constulose

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Constulose contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you are following a diet low in lactose or galactose.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lactulose, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, magnesium, or sodium phosphate. Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to any other laxative medicines. You should not use this medicine if you have a blockage in your intestines. Tell your doctor if you cannot have lactose, or if you have other digestive problems. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or congestive heart failure (CHF).

Constulose warnings

  • If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. The amount of time before you should have a bowel movement depends on the type of laxative you are using. Some laxatives might cause a bowel movement in 30 minutes, and other laxatives could take as long as 48 hours (2 days).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have trouble with magnesium, potassium, calcium, or sodium (salt) levels in your blood.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • If you are using this medicine for a long time, your doctor may need to check your blood at regular visits. Be sure to keep all appointments.

  • Some kinds of laxatives are not for long-term use. Other laxatives might be used over a long time period. Ask your doctor how long it is safe to use this laxative.

  • Tell your doctor that you are taking lactulose before you have any medical tests or surgery on your colon or rectum.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes.

  • When you first take lactulose, it may take 24 to 48 hours before you have a normal bowel movement.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Constulose interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor that you are taking lactulose before you have any medical tests or surgery on your colon or rectum.

  • When you first take lactulose, it may take 24 to 48 hours before you have a normal bowel movement.

  • Some medicines can affect how lactulose works. Tell your doctor if you are using antacids or antibiotics, such as neomycin.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other medicine for digestion problems, such as an antacid, or any medicine for your heart.

  • If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. The amount of time before you should have a bowel movement depends on the type of laxative you are using. Some laxatives might cause a bowel movement in 30 minutes, and other laxatives could take as long as 48 hours (2 days).

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Some kinds of laxatives are not for long-term use. Other laxatives might be used over a long time period. Ask your doctor how long it is safe to use this laxative.

  • If you are using this medicine for a long time, your doctor may need to check your blood at regular visits. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Constulose side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Stomach pain or cramps

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe diarrhea

  • Bleeding from your rectum.

  • Severe stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.

  • Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, severe nausea or vomiting.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild stomach pain, cramps, gas, nausea, vomiting.

  • Gas or burping

  • Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea

  • Stomach pain or cramps