Feline Constipation Treatment With Lactulose
Feline constipation is very uncomfortable, as your cat will find it difficult to pass stools. This condition presents itself when a cat has reduced, absent or painful defecation for more than a few days. Bowel movements become painful as the stool becomes hard and dry. Cats that are chronically constipated often have diarrhea and hence the condition can be diagnosed incorrectly. If feline constipation is left untreated for long or treated incorrectly, it can lead to complications.
Interactions That Can Make Your Drugs Less Effective
When used with lactulose, these drugs can make lactulose less effective. This means it wont work as well to treat your condition. Examples of these drugs include:
- Antibiotics such as neomycin: These drugs may stop the breakdown of lactulose in your large intestine. Your doctor will watch you closely if youre taking lactulose with an antibiotic.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
This dosage information is for lactulose oral solution. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Lactulose:
Lactulose is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for use in animals however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use lactulose in dogs and cats as a laxative. Lactulose is available as a 10 Gm/15ml liquid. The usual laxative dose in dogs and cats is 1 ml per 2 pounds of body weight given every 8 hours initially, then use as needed. Notify the veterinarian if the pet develops excessive diarrhea.
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Constipation In The Cat
17th August 2018
Constipation is a term used to describe absent, infrequent or difficult passage of faeces .
When constipation occurs, faeces are retained longer than normal in the colon or rectum , and as a result the faeces tends to become dryer and harder , which may make the problem worse.
Animals with constipation may exhibit signs of pain when trying to pass faeces , and this may be accompanied by excessive straining to pass faeces. If there is prolonged constipation, the faeces may become severely impacted in the colon and rectum, and this is known as obstipation. With repeated bouts of constipation or obstipation the colon can become distended and lose its ability to contract and push faeces towards the rectum, a condition called megacolon .
Can Lactulose Go Bad And If So How Can You Tell Like Taste Color Etc
- Asked
- 10 Mar 2017 by Fermor
themctier
Per , which is said to be from the FDA:
“Under recommended storage conditions, a normal darkening of color may occur. Such darkening is characteristic of sugar solutions and does not affect therapeutic action. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 86°F or to direct light may cause extreme darkening and turbidity which may be pharmaceutically objectionable. If this condition develops, do not use.”
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What will happen to me if i take out of date lactulose?
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Nothing unusual, probably have a good poop. I take it all the time. It may not taste quite as good but it works just like it always did.
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Can you still take lactulose 10gm/15 ml solution after the expiration date on the bottle and will it still be as good
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Dosing Information Of Lactulose For Dogs And Cats
- Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.
- For hepatic encephalopathy in dogs, lactulose is dosed at 15 to 30 ml per dog four times daily. With time, this dose can be altered to produce two to three soft stools per day.
- For hepatic encephalopathy in cats, lactulose is dosed at 0.25 to 1 ml per cat. The frequency of dosing is based on the frequency of stool production. It is typically started at three times daily and then adjusted.
- For treatment of constipation, 1 ml per 10 pounds of body weight is given three times daily. The dose is adjusted as needed.
- The liquid product is often distasteful to cats. Many cat owners have better luck using the crystals sprinkled on the food. One gram of the lactulose crystals is equivalent to 1.5 mL of the liquid. The dose of the lactulose crystals is 1/2 to 3/4 tsp twice daily mixed with food. Doses are adjusted to maintain the stool consistency desired.
- The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.
What Other Concerns Are There
Lactulose can interfere with the effectiveness of other medications that your cat may be taking. It is important to let your veterinarian know beforehand if your cat is taking anything so that this can be prevented.
This medication can also cause an insulin imbalance in cats that havediabetes. Caution is recommended to make certain that the insulin levels remain steady while your cat is on this medicine.
Other things to keep in mind are that other laxatives should not be used with this product and that oral antacids can lower the level of Lactulose’s effectiveness.
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Precautions And Side Effects
- While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, lactulose can cause side effects in some animals.
- Lactulose should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
- Lactulose may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with lactulose. Such drugs include other laxatives and certain antibiotics.
- Lactulose should be used with caution in diabetic animals.
- Since lactulose can cause diarrhea, caution must be used if lactulose is given to patients with salt imbalances.
- The most common adverse effects of the drug are abdominal cramping and flatulence . This problem generally passes with time.
- Diarrhea and dehydration may occur if excessive amounts of lactulose are given or water is withheld from the pet.
- Lactulose can be difficult to administer to cats as the taste is offensive and administration can lead to profuse drooling.
Side Effects Of Lactulose In Cats
There are a few side effects to this drug.
- Abdominal cramping. This is one of the more common side effects. It is something that should fade away with a little time.
- Flatulence. This is the other most common side effects of the medication. Like with cramping, it should go away after some time.
- Bloating. Another side effect that may occur in the beginning, but should go away with time.
- Diarrhea. Particularly if your cat has an electrolyte imbalance, this is one you want to watch out for. This usually happens when your cat is given too much of the Lactulose or if your cat does nothave enough water to drink while on the medication. This, of course, can lead to dehydration and is a more serious side-effect. Ensure your cat is not losing too much fluids or worse problems can arise.
- Drooling. Since cats do not seem to care for the taste of the medicine, they sometimes begin to drool a lot in an attempt to try to get the taste out of their mouth.
- Allergic. As with any medication, it is possible that an allergic reaction may occur. If you suspect that your cat may have an allergy to Lactulose, stop administering the medication and contact yourveterinarian.
As with all side-effects, if they are excessive or your cat seems to be feeling worse, contact your veterinarian right away to find out if the use of lactulose should be continued.
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Lactulose May Interact With Other Medications
Lactulose oral solution can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else youre taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with lactulose are listed below.
How To Use Lactulose Oral
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily for constipation, or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the solution, to improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert. If you are using the crystals in packets, dissolve the contents of the packet in half a glass of water , or as directed by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
It may take up to 48 hours to have a bowel movement. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
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How Should This Medication Be Given:
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Lactulose may be mixed with fruit juice, water, or milk to improve the taste. It may take 24 to 48 hours before the effects of lactulose are seen. Lactulose may darken slightly in color. This change is harmless. However, if lactulose becomes very dark or uneven in consistency do not use the product. Store lactulose at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take Lactulose Oral Solution
- If you have an allergy to lactulose or any other part of lactulose oral solution.
- If you are allergic to lactulose oral solution any part of lactulose oral solution or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are on a low-galactose or lactose-free diet.
- If you are taking other laxatives.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with lactulose oral solution.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take lactulose oral solution with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
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What Are Some Things I Need To Know Or Do While I Take Lactulose Oral Solution
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take lactulose oral solution. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your blood work checked if you are on lactulose oral solution for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
- If you have high blood sugar , talk with the doctor. Some of these products have sugar.
- If you will be having a certain type of exam , talk with your doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use lactulose oral solution with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using lactulose oral solution while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Lactulose:
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving lactulose and seek emergency veterinary medical attention an allergic reaction . Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving lactulose and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences flatulence, abdominal cramps, diarrhea or nausea and vomiting. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
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What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use lactulose oral solution as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Do not take antacids at the same time as lactulose oral solution. Talk with your doctor.
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with lactulose oral solution. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure lactulose oral solution.
- Mix liquid with water, milk, or fruit juice to make it taste better.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take lactulose oral solution on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times lactulose oral solution is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
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What Is Lactulose Solution For Cats And Dogs
- Lactulose is a prescription medication that eases constipation in cats and dogs and can also be beneficial in treating liver disease.
- The sugar in Lactulose Solution has a laxative effect that eases constipation and gastric distress in both dogs and cats.
- Lactulose Solution works in the large intestine, drawing water in to soften the stool and increase the volume so its easier to pass.
Why do cats and dogs use Lactulose?
- Lactulose reduces constipation and softens stool.
- Lactulose Solution is also helpful in preventing hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with cirrhosis of the liver.
- Cats with megacolon can also benefit from Lactulose.
What else should I know about Lactulose?
- The Lactulose Solution is unflavored.
- Reduces constipation in cats and dogs.
- Helps prevents conditions associated with liver disease.
- Easy to administer liquid.
- 10 grams of Lactulose per 15 mL of the solution.
- 8 ounce bottles contain approximately 236 mL total.
- 16 ounce bottles contain approximately 473 mL total.
What problems could my dog or cat have with Lactulose?
- Lactulose causes few side effects.
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat develops diarrhea.
- If Lactulose is being used in the treatment of liver disease, contact your veterinarian if symptoms worsen or if fewer than 2 to 3 soft stools are produced per day.
How do you use Lactulose?
- Give Lactulose by mouth as directed by your veterinarian.
What is in Lactulose?
Will I get what I see in the picture?
How Is Lactulose Given
Lactulose is given by mouth in the form of a liquid syrup or crystal granules. It may be mixed with food, but ensure the entire dose is swallowed by your pet. Measure the liquid form carefully. Cats generally do not like the taste of this medication, contact your veterinarian if you have trouble administering it. Make sure your pet has access to plenty of clean drinking water at all times while using this medication.
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, and improvements in clinical signs should follow.
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How To Use Lactulose
If you are taking this medication by mouth for liver disease, take it usually 3-4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. To improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert. The goal is to have 2-3 soft stools each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy .
If you are taking this medication by mouth for constipation, take it usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
This medication can also be given rectally as an enema for liver disease. Mix the recommended amount of lactulose with 700 milliliters of water or normal saline. Give the solution into the rectum and keep the liquid inside for 30-60 minutes as directed by your doctor. If you keep the enema inside for less than 30 minutes, repeat the dose unless directed otherwise.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.
When this drug is given rectally for liver disease, an improvement in your mental status may occur in as little as 2 hours, but if you are taking this medication by mouth, it may take up to 24 to 48 hours. If you are using this medication for constipation, it may take up to 48 hours to have a bowel movement. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.