Lactulose Solution
Lactulose Solution
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At a Glance
Safe stool softener for both dogs and cats
Can be used to treat cats with megacolon
Can be used to treat portal-systemic encephalopathy

Lactulose Solution

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At a Glance
Safe stool softener for both dogs and cats
Can be used to treat cats with megacolon
Can be used to treat portal-systemic encephalopathy

Frequently Bought Together

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Lactulose Solution

Primary Use:

  • Blood Ammonia Reduction: Lactulose is essential for reducing blood ammonia levels, especially during instances of liver dysfunction.
  • Constipation Relief: It acts as a stool softener, making bowel movements smoother and more comfortable.
  • Veterinary Medicine: Lactulose is used in cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles to address high ammonia levels and as an effective stool softener. This usage is considered 'off-label' or 'extra-label.'

Administration: It can be mixed with food for easier ingestion. Some cats might resist due to taste preferences, requiring patience or consultation with a veterinarian for alternatives or tips.

Onset of Action: The medication typically begins its therapeutic effects within 1 to 2 days, with improvements in clinical symptoms following soon after.

Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, it should be administered upon recollection unless it is close to the time for the next dose. In such cases, skip the missed dose to avoid double dosing. Maintaining a regular schedule is important for optimal results.

Side Effects:

  • Common: Diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal cramping are typical side effects.
  • At Higher Doses: There is a risk of imbalances, such as low blood potassium levels or elevated sodium levels.

Duration of Action:Lactulose typically ceases its effects within 24 hours, indicating its short-acting nature.

Risk Factors:

  • Allergies and Obstructions: Lactulose should be avoided in individuals with allergies to it or with intestinal blockages.
  • Caution: Use cautiously in pets with diabetes, those with fluid or electrolyte imbalances, and during pregnancy or lactation.

Drug Interactions:

  • Medications to Monitor: Use caution when administering lactulose with antacids, other laxatives, neomycin, gentamicin, or warfarin.
  • Informing the Veterinarian: Always inform the veterinarian about all ongoing medications, including supplements, to avoid adverse interactions.

Monitoring: Long-term usage may require periodic monitoring of blood electrolyte levels. Diabetic pets may also need blood glucose levels monitored to ensure optimal management.

Storage: Store lactulose at room temperature (20C to 25C) in a tightly sealed container, protected from excessive heat or light. Avoid freezing the medication.

Emergency Protocol: In case of suspected overdose or adverse reactions, contact the veterinary office immediately for guidance. If the office is unavailable, follow prescribed emergency procedures and seek assistance from an emergency facility promptly.

  • Fruit Flavor
  • Gastrointestinal Pharmacy
  • Liquid Application
  • Oral Application
  • Cat Pet Type
  • Dog Pet Type

How Much Lactulose Can I Give My Cat?
Answer

The correct dosage of Lactulose for cats depends on various factors, including your catโ€™s body weight and the type of condition being treated. For treatment of constipation, the recommended dosage is 1 ml per 10 lbs of your catโ€™s body weight (administered thrice a day). On the other hand, if your cat needs Lactulose for the treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, the recommended dosage is between 0.25 ml and 1 ml (four times a day), depending on the body weight. Itโ€™s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian regarding the right dosage of Lactulose for your cat and the required duration of treatment.

How Much Lactulose Can I Give My Dog?
Answer

As with cats, the amount of Lactulose you should give to your dog depends on the ailment thatโ€™s being treated. For the treatment of liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy, the recommended dosage is 15 to 30 ml, administered four times a day, depending on your dogโ€™s body weight. But if your dog has chronic constipation, the recommended dosage of Lactulose Solution is 1 ml per 10 lbs of body weight (given thrice a day). Make sure you consult your vet to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment based on your dogโ€™s health.

What Does Lactulose Do for a Dog?
Answer

Lactulose is an FDA-approved prescription medication thatโ€™s used to treat constipation and hepatic encephalopathy in dogs. Itโ€™s a disaccharide sugar that contains fructose and galactose. It acts as a laxative and ammonia-reducing agent. Lactulose works by drawing fluid into the colon, thus helping relieve chronic constipation in dogs. Also, it draws excess ammonia from the bloodstream and expels it with the stool, thereby preventing liver dysfunction.

Will Lactulose Hurt a Dog?
Answer

Lactulose Solution is a safe, FDA-approved prescription medication that helps treat chronic constipation and hepatic encephalopathy in dogs. As long as youโ€™re following your vetโ€™s prescription for dosage and frequency of treatment, it wonโ€™t cause any serious side effects in your pet. In some cases, it can trigger mild adverse reactions, such as bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. However, an overdose of Lactulose can lead to severe dehydration and diarrhea. You should exercise caution if your dog has diabetes, or is prone to fluid/electrolyte imbalance. Make sure you inform your vet about any other medications, such as laxatives or antacids, your dog might be taking. If your dog is prone to allergies, keep an eye out for symptoms, such as facial swelling, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and hives. Consult a vet if your dog exhibits any adverse symptoms after taking Lactulose.

Can Human Lactulose Be Given to Cats?
Answer

As a ground-rule, if a medication is meant for human use, you shouldnโ€™t administer it to your pets. The same rule applies to laxatives, such as Lactulose Solution. Make sure you only give your cat Lactulose thatโ€™s been approved for use in animals. Also, consult your vet before administering the medication to your cat.

Can You Give a Dog Human Lactulose?
Answer

Lactulose is a prescription medication thatโ€™s used as a stool softener and ammonia-reducing agent. While Lactulose is recommended for use in both humans and dogs, you shouldnโ€™t give your pet any medication thatโ€™s formulated for human use. Make sure you check with your veterinarian to find a credible brand of Lactulose solution for your dog. Also, consult them regarding the right dosage and duration of treatment depending on your dogโ€™s health condition.

What Is the Best Time to Take Lactulose?
Answer

Itโ€™s recommended that you give Lactulose to your pet at the same time every day. Also, there should be a considerable gap between two consecutive doses. If you miss giving a dose, administer it as soon as possible. However, if youโ€™re closer to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose. Follow your vetโ€™s instructions on the right time and way to administer Lactulose to your pet.

What Are the Side Effects of Lactulose?
Answer

Common side effects of Lactulose in cats and dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, and abdominal pain. It could also cause drooling in cats. If your pet produces more than three soft stools in a day, consider it as an alarm and immediately contact your vet. Lactulose can cause facial swelling, cold limbs, hives, and seizures in pets who are prone to allergies. It can alter insulin requirements in diabetic cats and dogs. Also, it could cause drug interactions with other laxatives, antacids, warfarin, neomycin, and gentamicin.

How Long Does It Take for Lactulose to Work in a Dog?
Answer

In general, lactulose usually takes 24 to 48 hours to work in dogs. However, it may take longer or shorter in some cases, depending on the dog's response to the medication.

Can Lactulose Be Given To a Dog With Cardiovascular Problems?
Answer

In most cases, it is advised not to give Lactulose to a dog with cardiovascular issues. This is because Lactulose can cause electrolyte imbalances, which may worsen cardiovascular problems. Additionally, some dogs with cardiovascular problems may be taking medications that interact with Lactulose, so you should consult a vet and ensure that it is safe to give lactulose to the dog before doing so.

Why Is Lactulose Given to Dogs?
Answer

It is often prescribed by veterinarians to treat constipation in dogs, which can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, dietary changes, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions such as megacolon or obstruction. Lactulose can also treat hepatic encephalopathy, a neurological disorder in dogs with liver disease, by reducing ammonia absorption in the colon.

What Is the Best Laxative for a Dog?
Answer

The best laxative for a dog depends on the cause and severity of constipation and should be determined by a veterinarian. However, some commonly used dog laxatives include lactulose, psyllium, docusate sodium, and mineral oil. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that draws water into the colon, psyllium is a soluble fiber that can help soften the stool, docusate sodium is a stool softener that can make it easier for dogs to pass stools, and mineral oil can help lubricate the stool.

Can Lactulose Solution Be Used for Chronic Constipation in Dogs?
Answer

Yes, lactulose solution can be used for chronic constipation in dogs, but only under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Can Lactulose Solution Be Used for Diarrhea in Dogs?
Answer

Yes, lactulose solution can be used for diarrhea in dogs, but it's not the first-line treatment and should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Can Lactulose Solution Be Used for Liver Disease in Dogs?
Answer

Yes, lactulose solution can be used for liver disease in dogs. Lactulose is commonly used to manage hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neurological disorder that can occur in dogs with liver disease. In dogs with liver disease, the liver cannot detoxify ammonia, which can build up in the bloodstream and cause neurological symptoms such as disorientation, seizures, and changes in behavior. Lactulose works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the colon and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that can break down ammonia into less harmful substances.

Can Lactulose Solution Be Used for Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Answer

Lactulose solution is not typically used to treat kidney disease in dogs, as it is ineffective in managing the condition. In fact, lactulose may be contraindicated in dogs with kidney disease, as it can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.

Can Lactulose Solution Be Used for Neurological Conditions in Dogs?
Answer

Lactulose solution is not usually used to treat neurological conditions in dogs, but it can be used to manage hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neurological disorder that can occur in dogs with liver disease.

Can Lactulose Solution Be Used for Weight Loss in Dogs?
Answer

Lactulose solution is not frequently used to help dogs lose weight since its main mechanism is to pull water into the colon and encourage bowel movements, not to help dogs lose weight.

Can Lactulose Solution Be Given to Pregnant or Nursing Dogs?
Answer

Lactulose is not known to be harmful to developing fetuses or nursing puppies, but lactulose can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and flatulence, which can be problematic for pregnant or nursing dogs. Hence, it should be given to pregnant or nursing dogs only under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Is a Prescription Required for Lactulose Solution for Dogs?
Answer

Yes, a prescription is required for lactulose solution for dogs. Lactulose is a medication that is regulated by veterinary drug laws and is available only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

Lactulose: 10g
Lactose: Less than 1.6g
Other sugars: Less than 1.2g

Lactulose, a disaccharide sugar containing galactose and fructose, is used for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in veterinary medicine. It is also used as a laxative for the treatment of bowel diseases like megacolon, triggered from chronic constipation. The active ingredient, lactulose, works by reducing the ammonia build up in the blood. The large number of resident bacteria in the intestine consumes the unabsorbed lactose as their food and release lactic, acetic, and formic acid and carbon dioxide gas. These acids draw fluid into the colon, softening the stool. The acidification of the bowel contents draws ammonia from the bloodstream and locks it there to be emitted with the stool. This action aids the prevention of a form of dementia called hepatic encephalopathy.ย 

Side effects of Lactulose include flatulence, bloated stomach, and cramping.

Drooling is observed as a lactulose side effect in cats.ย 

Lactulose may alter the insulin requirement in diabetic animals.

Use Lactulose with caution in animals with fluid or electrolyte imbalance.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet is producing less than 2-3 soft stools per day or if the condition worsens.

Diarrhea and dehydration are symptoms of overdose.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, cold limbs, shock, seizures, pale gums, hives, scratching, or coma.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking any other medications or supplements. Do not use this product with other laxatives. Oral antacids may reduce the effectiveness of Lactulose.

Extreme caution is required when the medication is used in pets with fluid or electrolyte imbalance and in diabetic animals. Do not use the medication with other laxatives. It is advised not to use the drug in animals with hypersensitivity and allergy to the active ingredient. Oral antacids could hinder the effectiveness of lactulose. Giving plenty of water during the treatment prevents side effects like dehydration and diarrhea. Lactulose may interact with other drugs; it is advised to inform the veterinarian or pharmacist about the medications the pet is taking. The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from light.ย 

Ask your veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at 1-800-844-1427.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to what you may have read on our website. Our medications are FDA approved and/or EPA regulated when and as required by law.

Lactulose comes in liquid form and is administered orally.

The duration of administration and dosage depends on the type of condition treated. For the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in dogs, the recommended dosage is 15 to 30 ml/dog four times a day and for cats the dosage is 0.25 to 1 ml/cat. The frequency of the dosage is calculated based on the frequency of stool production. For treatment of constipation, the recommended dosage is 1 ml/4.5 kg (1 ml/10 lbs) thrice a day.ย 

Be sure to follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Many cats do not like the taste of Lactulose, and you should contact your veterinarian if you have difficulty administering the medication.

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Option UPC/SKU
16 fl. oz. - Unflavored 304721360161

How to Order Prescriptions Online

1. Find the Right Product

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2. Add to Cart

Just like any other online store. Make sure the quantity matches whatโ€™s been prescribed by your vetinarian.

3. Tell Us About Your Pet and Vet

Answer some questions during checkout and weโ€™ll contact your vet and verify the prescription for you. You can also mail us the written prescription.

4. Thatโ€™s It!

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Customer Reviews

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I
Lactulose
VERIFIED PURCHASER

This works very well with my kitty and her constipation issues ... great product.

INDY recommends this item.
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A
Alex
VERIFIED PURCHASER

works better then from CVS

Alex recommends this item.
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H
Keeps my cat running smoothly!
VERIFIED PURCHASER

My cat kindly takes it mixed in her food making it easy for me to dose her. She doesn't seem to mind the orange flavor and it's cheaper than the plain.

HappyKat123 recommends this item.
Was this review helpful? 1 0

B
Good Product
VERIFIED PURCHASER

It's convenient and cost-saving to be able to purchase this larger bottle of Lactulose instead of running to the vet for the small bottles. I always receive the Lactulose in a timely fashion and consider it a good value. It does help my elderly cat Puffy as a stool softener, along with Cisapride, for her megacolon.

Britt recommends this item.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

C
Very effective product that is also easy to dispense.
VERIFIED PURCHASER

After my cat was diagnosed with megacolon the vet prescribed Lactulose.

catlady27 recommends this item.
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A
The worst product in the world

My cat with megacolon was put on this product. It never worked and his megacolon got much worse. I found the megacolon users group on yahoo and they all recommended the use of Miralax instead. WOW, that worked.

Anonymous Pet Parent recommends this item.
Was this review helpful? 0 0

L
Lactulose is great!

My female dog was born with an unnatural dip in her colon and sometimes waste gets balled up and she would have to stretch herself out to loosen it or she gets constipated. Since using Lactulose, she has been able to "go" much easier without all the stretching.

Linda_dog_mom recommends this item.
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T
Works as expected and the price is UNBELIEVABLY low!

This was prescribed by my local vet for my 14-ish year old cat Samael, who has bowel problems due mainly to old age. He couldn't "go" and was so backed up that he almost didn't make it. Now using this product as prescrbed (2.5 cc's in the mouth EVERY 8 hours for the rest of his life... d'oh!) has made him quite regular again. PetCareRx has a GREAT price on this product! My local vet & the pharmacy they use charged me $40 for a 4oz bottle, while here at PetCareRx I can get a 16oz bottle for only about $16 and a couple bucks to cover shipping! $10 an oz VS about $1 per oz, WHAT A GREAT BARGAIN! Thanks PetCareRx, without you I don't know if poor kitty would be able to stay medicated and 'regular'! You have literally saved his life (and my wallet!) *This is a prescription item

Tenchi recommends this item.
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