Lactulose by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. / Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. LACTULOSE solution
Lactulose by
Drug Labeling and Warnings
Lactulose by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.
Drug Details [pdf]
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DESCRIPTION
Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide in solution form for oral administration. Each 15 mL of lactulose solution contains; 10 g lactulose (and less than 1.6 g galactose, less than 1.2 g lactose, and 1.2 g or less of other sugars). Also contains water. The pH range is 3.0 to 5.5.
Lactulose is a colonic acidifier which promotes laxation.
The chemical name for lactulose is 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructofuranose. The molecular formula is C 12H 22O 11. It has the following structural formula:
The molecular weight is 342.3 g/mole. It is freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol, practically insoluble in toluene, insoluble in ether.
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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Lactulose is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and no enzyme capable of hydrolysis of this disaccharide is present in human gastrointestinal tissue. As a result, oral doses of lactulose solution reach the colon virtually unchanged. In the colon, lactulose is broken down primarily to lactic acid, and also to small amounts of formic and acetic acids, by the action of colonic bacteria, which results in an increase in osmotic pressure and slight acidification of the colonic contents. This in turn causes an increase in stool water content and softens the stool.
Since lactulose does not exert its effect until it reaches the colon, and since transit time through the colon may be slow, 24 to 48 hours may be required to produce the desired bowel movement.
Lactulose solution given orally to man and experimental animals resulted in only small amounts reaching the blood. Urinary excretion has been determined to be 3% or less and is essentially complete within 24 hours.
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE
- CONTRAINDICATIONS
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WARNINGS
A theoretical hazard may exist for patients being treated with lactulose solution who may be required to undergo electrocautery procedures during proctoscopy or colonoscopy. Accumulation of H2 gas in significant concentration in the presence of an electrical spark may result in an explosive reaction. Although this complication has not been reported with lactulose, patients on lactulose therapy undergoing such procedures should have a thorough bowel cleansing with a non-fermentable solution. Insufflation of CO 2 as an additional safeguard may be pursued but is considered to be a redundant measure.
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PRECAUTIONS
General
Since lactulose solution contains galactose (less than 1.6 g/15 mL) and lactose (less than 1.2 g/15 mL) it should be used with caution in diabetics.
Information for Patients
In the event that an unusual diarrheal condition occurs, contact your physician.
Laboratory Tests
Elderly, debilitated patients who receive lactulose solution for more than six months should have serum electrolytes (potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide) measured periodically.
Drug Interactions
Results of preliminary studies in humans and rats suggest that nonabsorbable antacids given concurrently with lactulose may inhibit the desired lactulose-induced drop in colonic pH. Therefore, a possible lack of desired effect of treatment should be taken into consideration before such drugs are given concomitantly with lactulose solution.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
There are no known human data on long-term potential for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility.
There are no known animal data on long-term potential for mutagenicity.
Administration of lactulose solution in the diet of mice for 18 months in concentrations of 3 and 10 percent (v/w) did not produce any evidence of carcinogenicity.
In studies in mice, rats, and rabbits, doses of lactulose solution up to 6 or 12 mL/kg/day produced no deleterious effects in breeding, conception, or parturition.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Reproduction studies have been performed in mice, rats, and rabbits at doses up to 3 or 6 times the usual human oral dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to lactulose. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
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ADVERSE REACTIONS
Precise frequency data are not available.
Initial dosing may produce flatulence and intestinal cramps, which are usually transient. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhea with potential complications such as loss of fluids, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia.
Nausea and vomiting have been reported.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. at 1-886-923-4914 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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OVERDOSAGE
Signs and Symptoms
There have been no reports of accidental overdosage. In the event of overdosage, it is expected that diarrhea and abdominal cramps would be the major symptoms. Medication should be terminated.
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DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The usual dose is 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls (15 to 30 mL, containing 10 g to 20 g of lactulose) daily. The dose may be increased to 60 mL daily if necessary. Twenty-four to 48 hours may be required to produce a normal bowel movement.
Note: Some patients have found that lactulose solution may be more acceptable when mixed with fruit juice, water or milk.
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HOW SUPPLIED
Lactulose Solution, USP 10 g / 15 mL is available as follows:
8 fl oz (237 mL) bottle in a carton NDC: 51672-4243-1 16 fl oz (473 mL) bottle in a carton NDC: 51672-4243-9 Lactulose solution contains lactulose 667 mg/mL (10 g / 15 mL).
Store at controlled room temperature 15° to 30°C (59° to 86° F). Do not freeze.
Under recommended storage conditions, a normal darkening of color may occur. Such darkening is characteristic of sugar solutions and does not affect therapeutic action. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30°C (86° F) or to direct light may cause extreme darkening and turbidity which may be pharmaceutically objectionable. If this condition develops, do not use.
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures may cause change to a semi-solid, too viscous to pour. Viscosity will return to normal upon warming to room temperature.
Dispense in original container or in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure.
Rx only
Manufactured by: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Haifa Bay, Israel 2624761
Distributed by: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Revised: March 2025
5256388-0325-01 - PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 473 mL Bottle Label
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INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
LACTULOSE
lactulose solutionProduct Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC: 51672-4243 Route of Administration ORAL Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength LACTULOSE (UNII: 9U7D5QH5AE) (LACTULOSE - UNII:9U7D5QH5AE) LACTULOSE 10 g in 15 mL Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength GALACTOSE (UNII: X2RN3Q8DNE) WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R) Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC: 51672-4243-9 1 in 1 CARTON 12/13/2024 1 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date ANDA ANDA218858 12/13/2024 Labeler - Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (146974886) Establishment Name Address ID/FEI Business Operations Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. 600072078 manufacture(51672-4243)
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