The alleviation of constipation in chronically constipated patients. Controlled clinical studies have shown that lactulose syrup therapy causes a significant increase in the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days on which bowel movements occur in patients with a history of chronic constipation. Reproduction studies in rats and teratologic experiments in both mice and rats did not reveal significant effects of lactulose on conception, gestation, litter size, or incidence of malformations. However, the use of lactulose by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant requires that the potential benefits be weighed against the potential risks. Initial dosing may produce flatulence and intestinal cramps, which are usually transient.
Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhea.
Nausea has been reported. Diarrhea and abdominal cramps may be controlled by a reduction of the dosage.