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Lactulose

Lactulose Side Effects

Allison Gourley, PharmDKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Allison Gourley, PharmD, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 5, 2024

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Passing gas
  • Stomach cramps

Less Common Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
When do Lactulose possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Passing gas
Stomach cramps

Source: DailyMed

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The following Lactulose side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

For bulk-forming-containing

Difficulty in breathing

intestinal blockage

skin rash or itching

swallowing difficulty (feeling of lump in throat)

For hyperosmotic-containing

Confusion

dizziness or light-headedness

irregular heartbeat

muscle cramps

unusual tiredness or weakness

For stimulant-containing

Confusion

irregular heartbeat

muscle cramps

pink to red, red to violet, or red to brown coloration of alkaline urine (for cascara, danthron, and/or senna only)

skin rash

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow to brown coloration of acid urine (for cascara, and/or senna only)

For stool softener (emollient)-containing

Skin rash

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For hyperosmotic-containing

Bloating

cramping

diarrhea

nausea

gas

increased thirst

For lubricant-containing

Skin irritation surrounding rectal area

For stimulant-containing

Belching

cramping

diarrhea

nausea

For stool softener (emollient)-containing

Stomach and/or intestinal cramping

throat irritation (liquid forms only)

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Why trust our experts?

Allison Gourley, PharmD, is a kidney and pancreas transplant pharmacist at a teaching hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area. When she’s not educating patients about their immunosuppressants, she's actively involved in transplant research.
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

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