Lactulose - Side Effects

Side Effects

When used at low dosage and as a food additive, galactofructose is known for its good acceptance, with limited side effects, similar to many food products.

At higher dosage, in pharmaceutical usage, common side effects of lactulose are abdominal cramping, borborygmus, gas and pungent flatulence that some people find difficult to control in social situations. Excessively high dosage can cause explosive and uncontrollable diarrhea. In normal individuals, overdose is considered uncomfortable, but not life threatening. Uncommon normal side effects are nausea and vomiting.

In sensitive individuals, such as the elderly or people with reduced kidney function, excess lactulose dosage can result in dehydration and electrolytic disturbances such as high sodium levels.

Although lactulose has less potential to cause dental caries than sucrose, there is a minimal potential because it is a sugar. This should be taken into consideration when taken by people with a high susceptibility to this condition.