Target species
Dogs and cats.
Indications for use
For the treatment of constipation (e.g. due to intestinal atony after surgery, hairballs, massive intestinal contents).
For the symptomatic treatment of disease conditions which require facilitated defecation (e.g. partial obstructions due to for example tumours and fractures, rectal diverticulum, proctitis and poisoning).
Contraindications
Do not use in animals with total gastro-intestinal obstruction, digestive perforation or risk of digestive perforation.
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to the excipient.
Special precautions for use in animals
Lactulose solution contains some free lactose and galactose, and may alter the insulin requirements in diabetic patients. Use with caution in animals with pre-existing fluid and electrolyte imbalances, since lactulose may exacerbate these conditions, if diarrhoea occurs.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
This veterinary medicinal product may cause flatulence and diarrhoea. Accidental ingestion should be avoided, especially by a child. To avoid accidental ingestion, the veterinary medicinal product must be used and kept out of reach of children. Always replace the cap after use.
This veterinary medicinal product contains benzyl alcohol. This preservative may cause hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions. People with known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product. Wash hands after use. In case direct contact with skin or eyes should occur, rinse with clean water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Adverse reactions
Signs of flatulence, gastric distention, cramping, etc. are common early in therapy, but generally abate with time. Diarrhoea and dehydration are signs of (relative) overdose; if this occurs, a veterinarian should be consulted.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
For oral administration.
Dogs and cats: 400 mg lactulose per kg body weight per day, corresponding to 0.6 ml veterinary medicinal product per kg body weight per day. This should preferably be divided into 2-3 doses over the day. The dosage may be adjusted as needed.
Approximately 2-3 days of treatment may be necessary before a treatment effect occurs.
Contact a veterinarian to adjust the treatment if abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea occur. The veterinary medicinal product can be mixed with feed or given directly into the mouth.
Overdose
An overdose does not cause other adverse effects than those stated in Adverse reactions. Replace fluids and electrolytes if necessary.