ATC code: A06AD11
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.
Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide consisting of fructose and galactose, and is used for treatment of obstipation and hepatic encephalopathy.
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.
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding the effects of lactulose have been found.
No studies with a clinically relevant sex analysis regarding adverse effects of lactulose have been found.
Regarding teratogenic aspects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).
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: 2020-08-28
Date of litterature search: 2015-08-20
Reviewed by: Mia von Euler
Approved by: Karin Schenck-Gustafsson