MedicineOTCEssential

Lactulose

Lactulose is a laxative syrup for constipation and for hepatic encephalopathy.

Clinical information

Common uses

constipation
hepatic encephalopathy (severe liver disease)

Common side effects

diarrhoea
bloating
wind
feeling sick
stomach pain

Cautions

takes at least 2 days to work
not for children under 14 unless a doctor recommends
can make irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) worse
long-term use can upset body salts (electrolytes)

Interactions

no known problems with other medicines or herbal remedies
take a second laxative only on medical advice

Pregnancy: generally safe in pregnancy

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/lactulose (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations7

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Duphalac	Oral Liquid	3.335g/5ml	authorized medicine importers	OTC
Ecolac Solution	Solution	3.34 g	authorized medicine importers	OTC
Feccox Liquid	Oral Liquid	10.05g (USP)/15ml ( 100ml )	Meditime Pvt Ltd	OTC
Lactulose	Oral liquid ( Powder for oral Solution )	80g	—	OTC
Lactuvaq	Oral liquid ( Syrup )	3.335g/5ml ( 200ml )	State Trading Organization Plc	OTC
Osmolax	Oral Liquid	3.40 gm in 5ml	authorized medicine importers	OTC
Unilac lactulose	Oral liquid ( Solution )	3.35g/5ml ( 100ml )	ADK Pharmaceutical Company Pvt. Ltd	OTC