Lactulose for dogs how long does it take to work

Lactulose is used in cats and dogs as a laxative. Lactulose requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Cats and Dogs

Benefits:

• Liquid is easy to administer
• No restrictions on food, drink, or activity unless otherwise directed by the veterinarian.

How it Works:

Lactulose is a disaccharide sugar composed of galactose and fructose. Unlike other sugars, its not absorbed into the blood. It passes unchanged to the large intestine. In the large intestine, lactulose is broken down by bacteria, resulting in the production of various acids. These acids draw water into the colon, softening the stool and increasing the volume, resulting in a laxative effect.

Cautions:

Side effects of lactulose include symptoms of flatulence, bloated stomach, and cramping. Diarrhea and dehydration are symptoms of overdose. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is diabetic, or pregnant or lactating.

Brand Name:

Chronulac or Cephulac (Hoeschst-Marion Roussel), Constulose or Enulose (Alpharma)

Generic Name:

Lactulose (lak-chew-lows)

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving lactulose to my pet:

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is diabetic. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

What is the most important information I should know about Lactulose:

Lactulose is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for use in animals; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use lactulose in dogs and cats as a laxative. Lactulose is available as a 10 Gm/15ml liquid. The usual laxative dose in dogs and cats is 1 ml per 2 pounds of body weight given every 8 hours initially, then use as needed. Notify the veterinarian if the pet develops excessive diarrhea.

How should this medication be given:

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Lactulose may be mixed with fruit juice, water, or milk to improve the taste. It may take 24 to 48 hours before the effects of lactulose are seen. Lactulose may darken slightly in color. This change is harmless. However, if lactulose becomes very dark or uneven in consistency do not use the product. Store lactulose at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose:

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What should I avoid while giving Lactulose to my pet:

There are no restrictions on food, drink or activity unless otherwise directed by the veterinarian.

What are the possible side effects of Lactulose:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving lactulose and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving lactulose and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences flatulence, abdominal cramps, diarrhea or nausea and vomiting. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

What other drugs will affect Lactulose:

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given an antacid as this may decrease the effects of lactulose. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Lactulose. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medicines.

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What is Lactulose?

Lactulose is used as a laxative  for the treatment of constipation in cats and dogs. It can also prevent and treat hepatic encephalopathy by lowering ammonia levels in small animals.

Lactulose is FDA-approved for human use under the brand names Constulose®, Enulose®, Generlac®, and Kristalose®. Lactulose is currently not FDA approved as a veterinary medication. However, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isn’t described on the drug label.

How Lactulose Works

Lactulose is a small sugar molecule that mammals and birds can’t digest. Since it is not digested, it passes unchanged all the way to the colon where normal colonic bacteria eat the lactulose. When digesting the lactulose, the bacteria break it down into primarily lactic acid (but also acetic and formic acid). The presence of this acid allows water to be pulled into the colon via osmosis, which causes  softening of the stool, making Lactulose beneficial for pets with constipation.

Lactulose is also beneficial for pets with liver disease, as one of the liver’s key functions is to remove ammonia from the blood system for excretion. When the liver is diseased, it cannot do this properly and causes a buildup of ammonia in the blood stream.

Excessive ammonia in the blood can travel to the brain and may lead to seizures or other neurological symptoms. The aforementioned acids create an acidic environment that makes naturally available ammonia from the blood stream shift into the colon. Excess ammonia is then trapped in the stool and defecated out.

Lactulose Directions

Lactulose is often given up to 3 or 4 times a day. However, frequency varies and can be adjusted based on your pet’s response to this medication. Check instructions on the label and from your veterinarian.

Missed a Dose?

If you forget to give a dose of lactulose, give it when you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses.

Lactulose Possible Side Effects

Side effects are generally confined to the digestive system and include:

• Flatulence

• Stomach distension/bloating

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea

• Dehydration

Human Side Effects

While this medication is used in humans, it may be given differently and have different side effects. If you accidentally ingest this medication, call your physician or local poison control center.

Monitoring

No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing, especially the monitoring of electrolytes. Types of testing performed will depend on your pet's individual needs, any other medications they may be on, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication.

Call Your Vet If

• Severe side effects are seen (see above) or if you see or suspect an overdose
• Call your vet or pharmacist if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of lactulose

Lactulose Overdose Information

Diarrhea and dehydration are the most common signs of an overdose. Flatulence and cramping are also possible.

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435

Lactulose Storage

Lactulose should be stored at controlled room temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C), but always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the label.

Store in a light-resistant container.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Lactulose FAQs

How much lactulose can you give a cat?

This medication is often given up to 3 or 4 times a day. Since frequency and dose vary greatly, medication is typically adjusted based on the individual patient's response to this medication. If your pet develops diarrhea on this medication, your pet's dose may need to be adjusted. Contact your veterinarian. 

Is lactulose harmful for cats?

Lactulose is a medication that is generally considered safe to use as a stool softener in the treatment of constipation. It can also be used to lower ammonia levels in pets with hepatic encephalopathy.

What does lactulose do for cats?

Lactulose is a laxative that works to soften the stool of constipated cats and helps pets with hepatic encephalopathy lower high levels of ammonia found in the bloodstream.

Is Kristalose® the same as lactulose?

Kristalose® is a brand name product with the active ingredient lactulose. It is the same product, but comes in a different concentration than Enulose®, which is the most common brand used in veterinary medicine.

No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.

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