Last update July 16, 2022

Lactulose

Very Low Risk

Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.

Synthetic disaccharide (galactose and fructose) derivative of lactose used in the treatment of constipation. It is barely absorbed by the small intestine (AEMPS 2019, Sanis 2015, Würsch1989) and reaches the large intestine (colon) where it exerts its action as an osmotic laxative drug. The small amount that is absorbed is excreted unmodified in the urine. Oral administration.

At latest update were not found published data on excretion into breast milk. However, because it does not reach the mother's plasma, any concentration in the milk is not expected.

Medication with authorized indication in infants.

Several medical societies and expert authors consider the use of this medication safe during breastfeeding. (Gharehbaghi 2016, Mahadevan 2006, Müller 1995)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Lactulose since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Lactulose in other languages or writings:

Group

Lactulose belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Lactulose in its composition:

List of 6 tradenames

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. < 3 %
Molecular weight 342 daltons

References

  1. AEMPS. Lactulosa. Ficha técnica. 2019 Full text (in our servers)
  2. Gharehbaghi K, Gharehbaghi DR, Wierrani F, Sliutz G. [Treatment of Chronic Functional Constipation during Pregnancy and Lactation]. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2016 Abstract
  3. Sanis. Lactulose. Drug Summary. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006 Jul;131(1):283-311. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Müller M, Jaquenoud E. [Treatment of constipation in pregnant women. A multicenter study in a gynecological practice]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1995 Abstract
  6. Würsch P, Koellreutter B, Schweizer TF. Hydrogen excretion after ingestion of five different sugar alcohols and lactulose. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1989 Dec;43(12):819-25. Abstract

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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - 2012 of United States of America

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