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Lactulose for Constipation, Chronic User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Enulose, Kristalose Generlac Constilac Cholac

Lactulose has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 86 reviews for the treatment of Constipation, Chronic. 70% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 22% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Lactulose

  • Lat...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 31, 2016

"Since I began taking lactulose, I have seen a marked improvement with chronic constipation. Before beginning with this med, I would sometimes not have a BM for 10 days. Since starting this medication, I have been having 4-5 BMs a week, which should increase even more as my MD increases my dosage at my next appt. Besides the relief I have experienced, I also enjoy the pleasant taste, as previous meds were horrible tasting. I would recommend this medicine as a very good treatment for chronic constipation."

8 / 10
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54 Report
  • Ear...
  • January 14, 2016

"I have early menopause-related constipation. For the last 5 years, moderate constipation. I've used lots of things - with success but also with fear of dependence. People have recommended lactulose as a non-dependent choice. I take 30 mL at night. It gives me a lot of wind. It does work, but it is an accumulative effect that takes about 4 days of regularly dosing to start working and produce a bowel movement... Not sure why so many others are lucky enough to get success the same day???"

7 / 10
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53 Report
  • Sha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 26, 2017

"This has literally changed my life for the better. I have been told since I was 21 that I have IBS. I had IBS A (alternating between D & C). At 46, at my wit's end, I tried lactulose as my bowels didn’t know what they wanted! Most nights, I take 1 full soup spoon before dinner with a large glass of water, within two hours, along with huge amounts of wind, I am on the loo. If I get a little sluggish, I up the dose by 1/2 a spoon or even 1 spoon. Worst case scenario, there is more wind or a quicker dash to the loo or even a dose of D... but never any cramping anymore! I then reduce the dose. It is all about the dose. For anyone struggling, you may need a bigger dose to get it going, then a smaller dose to maintain. I have my life back! Finally, at 46, I am free again!"

10 / 10
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42 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • flo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 19, 2020

"Well, after 11 months and with scans and doctors, the local chemist recommended this today, and 4 hours later, total clean out. I am so impressed, 10 hours later, it is the best. I have had this problem for 11 months, and I cannot understand why any of the doctors and specialists didn't pick up I just needed to go to the toilet properly and regularly. Try it for a while, but at first time, 10/10."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Smo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 22, 2019

"I have inflammatory bowel syndrome that sometimes causes me not to have bowel movements for weeks. My primary care doctor prescribed this to me for my IBS. I take 15 ml of this twice a day. It says it's supposed to take 48 hours to work, but it certainly doesn't take that long for me. It tastes horrible on its own, but I mix it in with pink lemonade, and I can't taste a thing."

10 / 10
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31 Report

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  • Lor...
  • October 20, 2016

"I've literally tried everything for my constipation. A high-fiber diet made it worse, and I was relying on more dangerous laxatives. Lactulose didn't work for me to begin with until my gynecologist told me to increase my dosage, so I take 40 ml twice a day. I now have a bowel movement every day, whereas in the past, I'd go once a week and still be blocked up. It is a lifesaver. The only negative thing about it is the water retention. It has made my stomach so bloated and made me gain about 5 lbs in water weight, but these side effects are tolerable. I'll just keep to loose-fitted tops for the mean time :)"

8 / 10
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41 Report
  • Nev...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 23, 2020

"I took lactulose while on vacation with another couple. My usual problem happened, so I took a half dose when we got home. We proceeded to play cards. In about an hour, I ran to the bathroom, barely making it. Then again, not making it. Long story short, I ran out of clean underwear and also used most of my underwear during that evening. The next day, I utilized the washer and have never taken lactulose again. I'll just stick with the occasional laxative and live with my problem."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Daw...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 9, 2019

"Having had a hysterectomy, was told I was not to strain when needing to poo. Having had a dose after trying other methods, i.e., drinking more water, extra fiber, and other laxatives, finally relief. When at home, I purchased Lactulose over the chemist counter. WOW, one dose a day, no more constipation, very content with this product. I can’t recommend it more highly."

10 / 10
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26 Report
  • Tee...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 27, 2017

"My doctor put me on Constulose after years of me using over-the-counter medicine for chronic constipation. I had 3 ERCPs, a tube down my nose to drain fluid trapped in my stomach. Lots of hospital stays and the pain from not having a bowel movement is torture! I would go two weeks without having a bowel movement. I've tried senna, stool softeners, milk of magnesia, and more. Finally, my doctor wrote for Constulose 15 milliliters and warned me to only take it for emergencies. I go to the bathroom every 3 days or less now. Best medicine so far!"

8 / 10
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36 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 14, 2018

"I’m 17 weeks pregnant and have been struggling even before I found out I was pregnant to empty my bowels. Before I fell pregnant, it was normal for me to poo once a week. I can’t even remember when I had my last bowel movement, it was over a week ago and very small. I rushed to the pharmacy today to get something as my stomach feels bloated and painful. I took 45 mls, and within half an hour, I started feeling sick, and an hour after that, I started cramping. Three hours later, I’m shooting to the toilet before I end up having an accident. What started off as a normal stool turned into explosive diarrhea. But I guess with 7+ days of waste in me, it was going to be a bit of a mess. So glad I took this, however, I wouldn't recommend taking it before work/going out, etc., as it can be unpredictable as to when it will take effect. Also, the wind is a bit embarrassing, so better to be in the comfort of your own home. I would recommend."

8 / 10
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32 Report
  • Ran...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 11, 2019

"Recommended by my primary care doctor after two gastroenterologists struck out for years. Works very well. Some people dislike the sweet taste, but you can camouflage it in orange juice or real cranberry juice."

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2018

Generlac (lactulose) "I've been having constipation problems for a while now. I tried Linzess, and it worked just a few times, like 2 or 3, so I went back to the doctor and got Generlac. I took it on a Friday at 4 PM, and the next morning it worked. I'm so relieved. So I'm going to continue taking it every day, and I'm hoping it keeps working."

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Ema...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 13, 2019

"I had surgery on my stomach and was severely constipated after. It was agony to go. I was prescribed lactulose, but it’s far too sweet and syrupy. I gagged every time I tried to take it, even when I mixed it with other liquids. Even the thought of taking it made me gag, and it didn’t help at all when I needed to use the bathroom. I used it for about a week and still couldn’t go without being in agony. I switched to Dulcoease capsules, and they worked the same day!"

1 / 10
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23 Report
  • kmv...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 2, 2020

"Doctor prescribed 15 ml 2x/day. Started today at 10:50; I had a normal BM at 2:30, first after many years. Then I took it again at 5:00; no luck. I have multiple sclerosis since 2005 and IBS-C. This took away my pain one time, and I hope it does in the future."

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Squ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 24, 2021

"Given lactulose for chronic constipation from IBS. At first, it wasn't too bad, but then I started getting severe gas pains, lots of gas, abdominal pain, and nausea. Yes, it worked for the constipation, but I felt sick all the time, and it made IBS pain much worse."

2 / 10
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16 Report
  • 4Ya...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 16, 2016

"Hubby is having chronic constipation. Many of us will when approaching 90. He used and still uses Casgara Sagrada (which never loses its potency. You don't have to take more and more.) This lactulose seems to work for him when he takes it regularly. He is also now taking two tablespoons of ground flaxseed stirred in 8 oz. of liquid daily. I do not have constipation now, although I did as a child mainly from poor diet and not drinking very much water. A former mother-in-law religiously chewed a few slices of apple with some stewed prunes every night before bed. I understand that now she is 102. What a surprise!"

9 / 10
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27 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 11, 2020

"I was prescribed lactulose at 10 ml, 2-3 times a day. It looks like syrup and tastes like syrup with a lot less sugar in it. I did not suffer from cramps, but did pass a lot of gas while taking it. Also, it did improve my constipation quite a bit, so I'm happy with it."

8 / 10
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16 Report
  • Riv...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 20, 2019

"I've been taking it for about 2 weeks, twice a day. Indeed, it causes some very funny noises in my tummy, which my kids find hilarious. I definitely have the passing gas issues as well. Although my kids seem to have some giggles, I find it a bit embarrassing. It does work wonders for my issues, as it works within a few hours of taking it."

9 / 10
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21 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 31, 2019

"I passed gas and a bit of abdominal discomfort the first time I took this med, but the side effect of the second time is worse. Although defecation occurred one hour after I took the med at a 10 mL dose only, I experienced painful bowel cramping that lasted for hours into early morning."

1 / 10
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18 Report
  • Emm...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 12, 2018

"I have been using lactulose for chronic constipation for three years. It is very effective. I now find that the sweet taste is making me gag and/or vomit. There are times when just looking at the bottle invokes the nausea. I have mixed in other liquid so I can't taste it, however, I can't take it anymore. Any wise ideas?"

10 / 10
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20 Report
  • Blo...
  • December 8, 2016

"I have had chronic constipation since 5 years old. I had chronic pain from a condition I was born with, and at 30 received OxyContin for the pain, otherwise, I would be in a wheelchair. As a child, after eating, I would bloat, I still do, even on just 2 cups of coffee. It has taken 4 days for lactulose to work, but I feel a lot better. My doctor said, 'water, water, water!' as the lactulose draws the water into our bowels. She also mentioned trying the MSP diet, as you can be misdiagnosed as IBS and it could be certain proteins and sugars, as well as wheat, barley, beans, and dairy, which makes it too hard for our gut to process."

9 / 10
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23 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 5, 2016

"So I am 17 weeks pregnant and have been constipated very badly for about 8 weeks. Just took 20 ml of this stuff and literally within 10 minutes had a proper bowel movement. Caused a lot of cramping though, and now I have diarrhea. It also made me sick, but at least I have finally had a bowel movement! Fantastic stuff."

10 / 10
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23 Report
  • Esp...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 20, 2017

"I have a motility problem after some of my bowel was cut out after diverticulitis. Then 2 hernias repaired. I have no sense of needing to go to the toilet at all. I have to take either lactulose or magnesium sulfate to empty my bowel twice a week. I prefer lactulose, it's easier on my bowel, it doesn't make my bowel as sore as magnesium. I take 60 ml of lactulose, a single dose, twice a week. Sure, there is some flatulence, but it works fine."

9 / 10
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20 Report
  • ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 9, 2024

"I don’t think I’ve ever left a review for anything… but this medication is truly changing my life. I have chronic constipation and have been laxative dependent nearly my whole life. I thought I would never live a normal life and I thought my body was screwed up forever. I tried everything in the book. Miralax, prunes, senna, you name it, I’ve done it. I drink 60mL of this (which is a lot, so mix it with juice) and my life has changed. I have a BM every day. I used to go over a week without a BM before forcing down laxatives. It might not work for you, everyone’s different but please give this a try. Sincerely, a very happy human who feels like they can now live a normal life."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Bre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 14, 2023

"Absolutely brilliant. You must drink lots of water for it to work. Having been very constipated my Pharmacist advised 40ml twice a day but I only needed one dose at this amount. Would definitely recommend it."

10 / 10
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6 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.