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General Medication Fact Sheet for Kristalose
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Kristalose |
| Generic Name | Lactulose |
| Purpose | Laxative used to treat constipation and hepatic encephalopathy |
| Mechanism of Action | Works by increasing water content and softening the stool; in hepatic encephalopathy, it reduces ammonia levels in the blood. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral solution, powder for oral solution |
| Available Strengths | 10 g/15 mL (oral solution), 10 g per packet (powder) |
| Dosage Frequency | 1-4 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, gas, bloating |
| Serious Side Effects | Electrolyte imbalances (especially potassium), dehydration, severe abdominal pain |
| Drug Interactions | Antacids, certain antibiotics (may reduce lactulose effectiveness) |
| Important Notes | Use with caution in patients with diabetes; may affect blood sugar levels. Maintain adequate fluid intake. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; if it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Polyethylene Glycol (MiraLAX), Senna, Docusate Sodium (Colace), Magnesium Citrate |
Kristalose Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene Glycol (MiraLAX) | Osmotic laxative that draws water into the colon | Available over-the-counter; generally well-tolerated. |
| Senna | Stimulant laxative that increases intestinal motility | Can cause cramping; not for long-term use. |
| Docusate Sodium (Colace) | Stool softener that increases water absorption in the stool | Often used to prevent constipation; may not be effective for treating existing constipation. |
| Magnesium Citrate | Saline laxative that draws water into the intestine | Can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances; use with caution. |
Kristalose Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia) |
| Vomiting | Dehydration |
| Diarrhea | Severe abdominal pain |
| Abdominal cramping | Rectal bleeding |
| Gas | Allergic reactions (rare) |
Kristalose Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constipation | 10-20 g daily | 10-40 g daily, divided into 1-2 doses | Adjust dose to produce 2-3 soft stools daily. |
| Hepatic Encephalopathy | 20-30 g three to four times daily | Adjust to produce 2-3 soft stools daily | Monitor ammonia levels; dose adjustments may be necessary. |
Kristalose Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $25 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $350 |
| From Canada | $269 |
