Lactulose and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2019

For Constipation, Chronic "I'm on lactulose 15-30 ml for almost two years. I've had constipation my entire life. Until I was four, I thought it was normal. I've bounced from specialist to specialist. Nobody can give me a diagnosis, but all I knew was the feces buildup was releasing toxins into my body and it was just unhealthy. An x-ray of my torso showed that the buildup was literally putting pressure on my lungs and it had impacted my breathing. Specialists gave me one of two options: laxatives or surgery. So, I tried countless laxatives, diets, exercise regimens. The only thing that's helped so far in my 15 years of life is sennas and enemas, both of which are extremely painful and give me awful diarrhea. Until lactulose. It's helped tremendously, and I can have natural movements. The only uncomfortable thing is all the flatulence, but that's better than curling up into a ball in pain."

• Is...
• August 16, 2019

For Constipation, Chronic "My daughter was constipated for 3 weeks. After two hospitals, one prescribed Lactulose. 45 ml three times a day. It’s been 5 days and all that has happened is diarrhea. Is that normal?? Is that the stool that has liquefied?"

• Bal...
• August 1, 2019

For Constipation, Acute "I am a middle-aged woman. I’ve had constipation issues since I can remember. I’ve become used to going twice a week. But chemo for cancer treatment recently put me over the one-week mark, and I was in agony when prescribed stool softeners, and every other OTC thing I threw at it did nothing. This drug, lactulose, worked. Took a 15 ml dose (3 tsp with a nice little syringe measure that came with) then repeated two hours later with a big drink of water, and bowels moved several times shortly after the second dose. It made my stomach rumble and gave me diarrhea, but it was worth it. (Stay home and close to a toilet.) I dialed back the dose and then stopped altogether for now, but it was the kickstart I needed. It’s a relief to know it’s in the arsenal. It is kind of thick and very sweet, but that was not a dealbreaker for me. (May be mixed into food or drink, but I just quickly drank it straight.) Highly recommend for those struggling."

• Anonymous
• April 14, 2012

For Constipation, Chronic "I take 6 Percocet daily for back pain. 30ml of lactulose generally takes effect in 4 to 6 hours. At times it can produce diarrhea if I take more. At times I can skip a day as I am able to have bowel motion naturally. It doesn't adversely impact my blood sugar levels."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2016

For Constipation, Chronic "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."

• Smi...
• July 20, 2021

For Hepatic Encephalopathy "My Dr. said this would soften stool. Well, it does do that. Like liquid water in a matter of hours. Stayed up all night on the pot with constant diarrhea and some seriously explosive gas, but I felt a lot better by morning."

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2023

For Constipation, Chronic "After a colonoscopy, I was prescribed lactulose 10 ml. I have IBS, and the colonoscopist didn’t even ask if I have IBS. Within half an hour, I was in a bad way - diarrhea, feeling sick, then after that, I got spasms and muscle cramps in my foot. I’m pretty sure that was a side effect of the medication. This lasted through the night until the next day. Most of the symptoms went away, except the foot muscle cramps, and my whole foot is sore, numb, and tingling. I’m pretty sure it is a severe electrolyte imbalance that can cause serious health problems, such as muscle spasms, twitching, a seizure, or a fit. Yes, it’s awful, and I’ve been to the doctor, and they don’t do anything. Apparently, lactulose shouldn’t have been given to me if I am an IBS sufferer. I just hope this pain goes away. Painkillers don’t even help. I will never touch this stuff again."

• DaD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2021

For Constipation, Chronic "The negative effects of this medication make it the worst I have ever experienced in 70 years of living! Abdominal bloating, incredibly painful stomach pressure, diarrhea, sweating, pressure on the prostate gland, and hardly any relief from constipation. Let the user beware!"

• Ott...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2021

"Earlier this evening, had 'severe cramps and bloating but no output into my colostomy bag.' I think it could be related to a Metro Egg Sandwich that I had earlier. Tried Divol Plus and 2 Extra Strength Tylenol and heating pad...nothing helped. Called Shoppers in Toronto, they suggested I take 1/2 capful of lactulose. It did the trick within 15 minutes, cleared me right out. Cramps dropped 80%. Came within seconds of calling 911, but I didn't, and I made it through. Remember, too much can cause serious diarrhea in the colostomy bag, so limit lactulose if you can. Take every 3 to 4 days. Not too much."

• S W...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2023

Lactulose for Constipation, Chronic "This drug has worked well in treating chronic constipation from amyloidosis. Gentle BM and no diarrhea. My dosage is 1 tbs twice daily."

• Dot...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2023

For Constipation, Chronic "Works excellent for constipation and is very quick. After a few hours, very loose stools, but gets the job done. I highly recommend it, and it's very cheap."

• Mo ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2022

For Constipation, Acute "Terrible abdominal cramps for hours, diarrhea as well."