Lactulose
Classification: BATC code: A06AD11
Summary
Controlled studies on differences between men and women in lactulose efficacy and safety are lacking.
The present evidence concerning differences between men and women is limited and do not motivate differentiation in dosing or treatment.
Additional information
Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide consisting of fructose and galactose, and is used for treatment of obstipation and hepatic encephalopathy.
Pharmacokinetics and dosing
Lactulose is poorly absorbed when administrated orally. No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the pharmacokinetics or dosing of lactulose have been found.
Effects
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the effects of lactulose have been found.
Adverse effects
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding adverse effects of lactulose have been found.
Reproductive health issues
Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult the Drugs and Birth Defects Database (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
Other information
In a large British registry study (82450 men, 153264 women), the prevalence of constipation was almost twice as high among women up to the age of 75 years, but higher in men than women among patients aged over 75 years. There was no difference between men and women in choice of laxative (macrogol, lactulose, senna or other laxatives including ispaghula). The most commonly prescribed laxative in pregnant patients with constipation were lactulose followed by macrogol [2].
Updated: 2019-02-26
Date of litterature search: 2015-08-20
References
- Läkemedelsstatistik. Stockholm: Socialstyrelsen. 2015 [cited 2016-04-05.] länk
- Shafe AC, Lee S, Dalrymple JS, Whorwell PJ. The LUCK study: Laxative Usage in patients with GP-diagnosed Constipation in the UK, within the general population and in pregnancy An epidemiological study using the General Practice Research Database (GPRD). Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2011;4:343-63. PubMed
Reviewed by: Mia von Euler
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson