Lactulose: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

An osmotic laxative used to treat constipation and reduce blood ammonia levels in liver disease

OTC ATC: A06AD11 Laxative
Active Ingredient
Lactulose
Available Forms
Oral solution
Common Strengths
670 mg/ml (667 mg/ml)
Known Brands
Duphalac, Laevolac, Kristalose, Generlac
Medically reviewed | Last reviewed: | Evidence level: 1A
Lactulose is a widely used osmotic laxative that treats constipation by drawing water into the bowel to soften stools and stimulate natural bowel movements. It is also a cornerstone treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver disease. Available over the counter as an oral solution, lactulose is safe for long-term use, during pregnancy, and – under medical supervision – in children.
📅 Published: | Updated:
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Written and reviewed by iMedic Medical Editorial Team | Specialists in pharmacology, gastroenterology, and hepatology

Quick Facts About Lactulose

Active Ingredient
Lactulose
Synthetic disaccharide
Drug Class
Osmotic Laxative
Non-absorbed sugar
ATC Code
A06AD11
Alimentary tract
Common Uses
Constipation
Also hepatic encephalopathy
Onset of Action
24–48 h
Gradual osmotic effect
Prescription Status
OTC
Over-the-counter

Key Takeaways About Lactulose

  • Gentle, osmotic action: Lactulose works by drawing water into the colon to soften stools and stimulate bowel movements – it is not absorbed into the bloodstream, making it one of the safest laxatives available
  • Takes 24–48 hours to work: Unlike stimulant laxatives, lactulose acts gradually; allow up to 2–3 days for the full effect and take it consistently at the same time each day
  • Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Lactulose is one of the preferred laxatives during pregnancy because it is not systemically absorbed and does not affect the developing baby
  • Critical role in liver disease: At higher doses, lactulose is the first-line treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, reducing toxic blood ammonia levels by acidifying colonic contents
  • Drink plenty of fluids: Adequate fluid intake (approximately 2 litres per day) is essential while taking lactulose to support its osmotic mechanism and prevent dehydration

What Is Lactulose and What Is It Used For?

Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide (a sugar made from galactose and fructose) that works as an osmotic laxative to treat constipation. It also plays a vital role in managing hepatic encephalopathy, a neurological complication of severe liver disease. Lactulose is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, passes intact to the colon, and is broken down by colonic bacteria into organic acids that draw water into the bowel and soften stools.

Lactulose belongs to the class of osmotic laxatives and has been used in clinical practice since the 1960s. Its chemical name is 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructofuranose, and it is a semi-synthetic sugar that does not occur naturally. Unlike simple sugars, lactulose cannot be digested by human intestinal enzymes because humans lack the enzyme (β-galactosidase) needed to split the galactose–fructose bond. This means lactulose passes through the stomach and small intestine without being absorbed and reaches the colon intact, where it exerts its therapeutic effects.

Once in the colon, saccharolytic bacteria (particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species) ferment lactulose into low-molecular-weight organic acids, primarily lactic acid, acetic acid, and small amounts of formic acid. This fermentation process has two important consequences. First, the organic acids create an osmotic gradient that draws water from the intestinal wall into the colonic lumen, increasing the volume and water content of the stool. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass, and the increased bulk stimulates peristalsis – the wave-like muscle contractions that move stool through the colon. Second, the acids lower the pH of the colonic contents, which has important implications for patients with liver disease.

Lactulose is approved and commonly used for the following clinical indications:

  • Constipation – the primary over-the-counter indication. Lactulose normalises bowel movements by increasing stool water content and stimulating peristalsis. It is suitable for both occasional and chronic constipation and is not habit-forming
  • Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) – a serious neurological condition caused by the accumulation of ammonia and other toxins in the blood due to impaired liver function. At higher doses, lactulose reduces blood ammonia levels through multiple mechanisms: acidification of the colon converts ammonia (NH3) to non-absorbable ammonium ions (NH4+), the osmotic laxative effect physically expels ammonia-containing stool, and the reduced pH inhibits the growth of ammonia-producing bacteria while promoting beneficial Lactobacillus species

Lactulose is listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines, reflecting its clinical importance, proven efficacy, and favourable safety profile. It has been extensively studied in systematic reviews and clinical trials, with robust evidence supporting its use for both constipation and hepatic encephalopathy.

The medication is available as an oral solution with a sweet, slightly viscous consistency. It can be taken undiluted or mixed with water, juice, yoghurt, or other beverages. The typical concentration is 667–670 mg of lactulose per millilitre. Common brand names include Duphalac, Laevolac, Kristalose (a powder-for-solution formulation available in the United States), and Generlac, along with numerous generic versions.

How does lactulose differ from other laxatives?

Unlike stimulant laxatives (such as senna or bisacodyl) that directly stimulate the nerve endings in the bowel wall, lactulose works gently through an osmotic mechanism. It does not irritate the intestinal lining and does not cause dependence or loss of natural bowel function with long-term use. This makes lactulose particularly suitable for patients who need ongoing laxative therapy, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic constipation. However, because it takes 24–48 hours to work, it is not the best choice for patients who need immediate relief.

Lactulose also has prebiotic properties, meaning it selectively promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The fermentation of lactulose by colonic bacteria shifts the gut microbiota composition towards a healthier profile, with increased populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. While this prebiotic effect is a secondary benefit rather than the primary therapeutic goal, it contributes to the overall safety and tolerability of long-term lactulose use.

What Should You Know Before Taking Lactulose?

Before taking lactulose, be aware that it must not be used if you have galactose intolerance, gastrointestinal obstruction, or perforation/risk of perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. Children should only use lactulose under medical supervision. Patients with diabetes should be aware that lactulose solutions contain small amounts of free sugars. Lactulose is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Lactulose is one of the safest laxatives available and is well-tolerated by most patients. However, as with all medicines, there are certain situations where lactulose should not be used, and some patient groups who should take particular care. Understanding these precautions ensures safe and effective use of the medication.

Contraindications

You must not take lactulose if any of the following apply:

  • Allergy to lactulose or any other ingredient in the product (including trace excipients)
  • Galactose intolerance – lactulose is broken down into galactose and fructose in the colon, and patients with hereditary galactosaemia or galactose intolerance must avoid it
  • Gastrointestinal obstruction – if there is a mechanical blockage in the stomach, small intestine, or colon, lactulose should not be used as it may worsen the obstruction and increase the risk of perforation
  • Gastrointestinal perforation or risk of perforation – if there is a tear or hole in the digestive tract, or conditions that significantly increase the risk of perforation, lactulose is contraindicated

If you are unsure whether any of these contraindications apply to you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting lactulose.

Warnings and Precautions

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking lactulose in the following situations:

Unexplained abdominal pain: If you have abdominal pain of unknown cause, do not take lactulose until the cause has been identified. Abdominal pain can indicate conditions (such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or inflammatory bowel disease) where laxative use could be harmful. Consult a doctor first.

Prolonged use without medical advice: While lactulose is safe for long-term use, you should consult a doctor if you need to take it for more than a few weeks without a diagnosis. Chronic constipation may be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires investigation, and relying on laxatives without addressing the root cause is not ideal.

Patients with diabetes mellitus: Lactulose oral solution contains small amounts of free sugars as residues from the manufacturing process – up to 67 mg/ml of lactose, up to 100 mg/ml of galactose, and up to 9 mg/ml of fructose. At the usual dose for constipation (15–30 ml per day), these sugar amounts are generally not clinically significant. However, the higher doses used for hepatic encephalopathy (up to 90–150 ml per day) contain more substantial amounts of free sugars and may affect blood glucose levels. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this and monitor their blood sugar accordingly.

Hereditary fructose intolerance: If you or your child has been diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance (a rare genetic condition that prevents the body from breaking down fructose), consult your doctor before using lactulose, as the solution contains trace amounts of fructose from the manufacturing process.

Treatment in Children

Treatment of children with lactulose should only be initiated under medical supervision. A doctor will determine the appropriate dose and ensure that underlying causes of constipation (such as dietary factors, behavioural issues, or anatomical abnormalities) are addressed. In children, constipation is best managed as part of a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, adequate fluid intake, regular physical activity, and toileting routines, with lactulose used as an adjunct rather than a standalone treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lactulose is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is one of the most important advantages of lactulose compared to many other laxatives.

Pregnancy: Because lactulose is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, it cannot reach the developing baby. Constipation is very common during pregnancy (affecting up to 40% of pregnant women) due to hormonal changes, iron supplementation, and mechanical compression of the bowel. Lactulose is one of the first-choice laxatives recommended during pregnancy by major international guidelines, including those from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the British National Formulary (BNF).

Breastfeeding: Lactulose can be used during breastfeeding without any concerns. Since it is not absorbed systemically, it does not pass into breast milk. No effects on the breastfed infant are expected.

Fertility: No effects on fertility are expected with lactulose use.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Lactulose has no known effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery. It does not cause drowsiness, dizziness, or any impairment of alertness or reaction time.

Sugar content and sulphite traces

Lactulose oral solution may contain trace amounts of sulphite from the manufacturing process. While these amounts are generally too small to cause problems, patients with known sulphite sensitivity should be aware. The solution also contains residual lactose, galactose, and fructose. These sugars are present as manufacturing by-products, not as added excipients. For the vast majority of patients, these trace amounts are clinically insignificant.

How Does Lactulose Interact with Other Drugs?

Lactulose has relatively few clinically significant drug interactions because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. However, important interactions exist: neomycin and other non-absorbable antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy by killing the colonic bacteria needed for lactulose fermentation. Antacids containing magnesium, calcium, or aluminium may neutralise the acid produced by lactulose. Excessive lactulose-induced diarrhoea can cause hypokalaemia, which increases the risk of toxicity with cardiac glycosides such as digoxin.

Because lactulose is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, it does not undergo hepatic metabolism and does not interact with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system or P-glycoprotein transport. This gives lactulose a significantly better drug interaction profile than many other medicines. However, several interactions are clinically relevant, particularly when lactulose is used at high doses for hepatic encephalopathy.

Clinically Significant Interactions

The following interactions require attention and may necessitate monitoring or adjustment of therapy:

Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Lactulose
Drug / Drug Class Effect of Interaction Clinical Advice
Neomycin and other non-absorbable antibiotics May reduce the effectiveness of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy by killing the colonic bacteria that ferment lactulose into the organic acids responsible for its therapeutic effect. Although sometimes used together in clinical practice for severe HE, the combination should be monitored. If lactulose effectiveness appears reduced, discuss with the treating physician.
Antacids (magnesium, calcium, aluminium-containing) May neutralise the colonic acid produced by lactulose fermentation, potentially reducing the laxative effect and the ammonia-lowering effect in hepatic encephalopathy. Avoid concurrent use if possible, particularly when lactulose is used for hepatic encephalopathy. If both are needed, separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Cardiac glycosides (digoxin, digitoxin) Lactulose-induced diarrhoea can cause hypokalaemia (low potassium), which increases the sensitivity of the heart to cardiac glycosides and raises the risk of digitalis toxicity and arrhythmias. Monitor serum potassium levels regularly. Ensure adequate potassium intake. Adjust digoxin dose if hypokalaemia develops.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants Lactulose-induced diarrhoea may theoretically alter the absorption of oral anticoagulants, and changes in gut flora may affect vitamin K synthesis, potentially influencing INR values. Monitor INR more frequently when starting or stopping lactulose. Clinical significance is generally low at standard constipation doses.
Mesalazine (5-ASA) preparations Lactulose lowers colonic pH, and some pH-dependent mesalazine formulations (e.g., Asacol) rely on higher pH for drug release. Acidification of the colon may alter mesalazine release and efficacy. Monitor for reduced mesalazine effectiveness. Consider alternative laxative if needed.

Other Considerations

Electrolyte-depleting medicines: Medicines that cause potassium loss (such as thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, corticosteroids, and amphotericin B) combined with lactulose-induced diarrhoea may lead to clinically significant hypokalaemia. This is particularly relevant when lactulose is used at high doses for hepatic encephalopathy. Monitor electrolytes regularly in patients on these combinations.

Other laxatives: Combining lactulose with other laxatives is generally not recommended without medical advice. The combination may increase the risk of diarrhoea, dehydration, and electrolyte disturbances. If combination therapy is needed (e.g., for severe constipation that does not respond to lactulose alone), this should be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Lactulose with food and drink

Lactulose can be taken with or without food. It can be taken undiluted or mixed with water, fruit juice, yoghurt, smoothies, or other beverages to improve palatability. The sweet taste of the solution can be masked by mixing it with a cold drink. Take lactulose at the same time each day – preferably in the morning with breakfast – for consistent results. The entire daily dose can be taken at once, or split into two doses (morning and evening). Swallow the dose promptly; do not hold it in the mouth for extended periods.

What Is the Correct Dosage of Lactulose?

For constipation in adults and adolescents over 14 years, the usual starting dose is 30 ml daily for 2–4 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 10–25 ml daily. The full daily dose is best taken in the morning. Lactulose should be taken with plenty of fluids (about 2 litres per day). For hepatic encephalopathy, doses are much higher and must be determined individually by a doctor.

The correct dosage of lactulose depends on the indication (constipation or hepatic encephalopathy), the patient's age, and individual response. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging for self-treatment, or your doctor's specific instructions for prescribed use. Use the measuring cup provided with the product to ensure accurate dosing.

Adults and Adolescents Over 14 Years – Constipation

Constipation Treatment

  • Starting dose: 30 ml (approximately 20 g lactulose) once daily for 2–4 days
  • Maintenance dose: 10–25 ml (approximately 7–17 g lactulose) once daily
  • Timing: Take the entire daily dose in the morning, preferably with breakfast
  • Administration: Can be taken undiluted or mixed with juice, water, yoghurt, or other beverages
  • Dose adjustment: The dose should be gradually reduced once regular bowel movements are established. Aim for the lowest effective dose
  • Fluid intake: Drink at least 2 litres (6–8 glasses) of fluid per day during lactulose treatment

The dose may also be divided into two daily doses (e.g., morning and evening) if preferred. Swallow the medicine promptly – do not hold it in the mouth. If there is no improvement after several days of treatment, or if symptoms worsen, consult your doctor.

Hepatic Encephalopathy (Medical Supervision Only)

Hepatic Encephalopathy Treatment

  • Dosing: Individually determined by the treating physician
  • Typical range: 60–150 ml per day, divided into 3–4 doses
  • Dose titration: Adjusted to achieve 2–3 soft stools per day
  • Setting: Treatment of chronic hepatic encephalopathy is managed in hospital or under specialist supervision
  • Monitoring: Blood ammonia levels, electrolytes (especially potassium), and blood glucose in diabetic patients should be monitored regularly
Important: Hepatic encephalopathy doses and diabetes

The substantially higher doses of lactulose used for hepatic encephalopathy mean that patients consume significantly more free sugars (lactose, galactose, fructose) than at standard constipation doses. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be aware of this and monitor their blood glucose levels more closely. The treating physician should factor this into the overall diabetes management plan.

Children

Treatment of children with lactulose should only be initiated under medical supervision. A doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on the child's age, weight, and clinical situation. There is no standardised paediatric dosing in the product information for self-treatment; all paediatric use requires a prescription.

In general clinical practice, doses for children are lower than adult doses and are titrated based on response. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) recommends osmotic laxatives such as lactulose or macrogol as first-line pharmacological treatment for childhood constipation, alongside dietary and behavioural interventions.

Elderly Patients

No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients. However, older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, particularly if lactulose causes diarrhoea. Ensure adequate fluid intake and monitor for signs of dehydration. Elderly patients with multiple medications should discuss potential interactions with their pharmacist or doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of lactulose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Because lactulose works over 24–48 hours, a single missed dose is unlikely to cause a significant setback, but consistent daily use is important for maintaining regular bowel movements.

Overdose

If you or someone else has taken significantly more lactulose than recommended, the main expected symptoms are:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping due to excessive gas production and osmotic fluid accumulation
  • Diarrhoea – which can be severe and lead to dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance – particularly hypokalaemia (low potassium) and hyponatraemia (low sodium) from excessive fluid loss through diarrhoea

In case of significant overdose, contact your doctor, local hospital, or poison control centre for advice. Treatment is supportive: stop lactulose, ensure adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement, and monitor for dehydration. In children, even moderate overdose warrants medical assessment due to their greater vulnerability to dehydration.

What Are the Side Effects of Lactulose?

The most common side effect of lactulose is diarrhoea, which is very common and often indicates that the dose is too high. Common side effects include flatulence (gas), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Flatulence is particularly frequent during the first few days of treatment but usually subsides as the body adapts. Rare side effects include electrolyte disturbances (from prolonged diarrhoea). If diarrhoea occurs, reduce the dose.

Like all medicines, lactulose can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are directly related to the drug's mechanism of action (osmotic water retention and bacterial fermentation in the colon) and are dose-dependent. Reducing the dose usually resolves or minimises side effects.

Very Common

Affects more than 1 in 10 users
  • Diarrhoea (indicates dose may be too high – reduce the dose)

Common

Affects up to 1 in 10 users
  • Flatulence (gas/bloating) – especially during the first days of treatment
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain or cramping

Rare

Affects fewer than 1 in 1,000 users
  • Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia) – due to prolonged or severe diarrhoea, particularly at high doses used for hepatic encephalopathy

Reported (Frequency Unknown)

Reported in post-marketing surveillance
  • Allergic reactions including skin rash, pruritus (itching), and urticaria (hives)

Flatulence during the first days: Gas and bloating are very common when starting lactulose treatment. This occurs because colonic bacteria ferment the lactulose, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane gases. This side effect typically diminishes after the first few days as the gut microbiota adapts. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing to the target dose can help minimise initial gas production.

Dose-related effects: Abdominal pain and diarrhoea are usually signs that the dose is too high. If you experience diarrhoea, reduce the lactulose dose. The goal is to achieve soft, comfortable bowel movements – not watery diarrhoea. If diarrhoea occurs at high doses used for hepatic encephalopathy, electrolyte monitoring is important as prolonged diarrhoea can cause significant potassium and sodium loss.

If you experience any side effects, particularly any serious or unexpected symptoms not listed above, report them to your healthcare provider. Reporting suspected adverse reactions helps ongoing monitoring of the medicine's benefit–risk balance.

Minimising side effects

To reduce gas and bloating, start with a lower dose (e.g., 15 ml daily) and gradually increase to the recommended dose over a week. Take lactulose at the same time each day. Drink plenty of fluids – at least 2 litres per day. If abdominal pain or diarrhoea occurs, reduce the dose until symptoms improve. Regular physical activity also helps promote healthy bowel function and may reduce bloating.

How Should You Store Lactulose?

Store lactulose at room temperature. No special storage conditions are required. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use lactulose after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Return unused or expired medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

Proper storage ensures the medicine remains effective and safe throughout its shelf life. Follow these guidelines:

  • Temperature: Store at room temperature. No special temperature requirements – do not refrigerate or freeze
  • Container: Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination
  • Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times
  • Expiration: Do not use after the expiration date printed on the bottle. The expiration date refers to the last day of the stated month
  • Appearance: Lactulose oral solution is a clear to slightly brownish-yellow, viscous liquid with a sweet taste. Slight darkening of colour during storage is normal and does not affect the product's efficacy or safety

Disposal: Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return unused or expired lactulose to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. These measures help protect the environment and prevent accidental ingestion.

What Does Lactulose Contain?

The active substance is lactulose. Each millilitre of oral solution contains 667 mg (approximately 670 mg) of lactulose. The only other ingredient is purified water. The solution may contain trace amounts of lactose, galactose, fructose, and sulphite as residues from the manufacturing process.

Lactulose oral solution has a remarkably simple composition:

Lactulose Oral Solution – Composition
Component Amount per ml Notes
Lactulose (active substance) 667 mg Synthetic disaccharide; the therapeutically active ingredient
Purified water q.s. to 1 ml Solvent; no other excipients are added
Lactose (trace) ≤ 67 mg Manufacturing residue; not an added ingredient
Galactose (trace) ≤ 100 mg Manufacturing residue; relevant for galactose intolerance
Fructose (trace) ≤ 9 mg Manufacturing residue; relevant for hereditary fructose intolerance
Sulphite (trace) Trace Manufacturing residue; relevant for sulphite-sensitive patients

Appearance: Lactulose oral solution is a clear to slightly brownish-yellow, viscous liquid with a sweet taste. Some slight darkening of colour may occur during storage – this is a normal characteristic of sugar solutions and does not indicate a loss of potency or safety.

Available pack sizes: Lactulose is commonly available in plastic bottles of 200 ml, 500 ml, and 1000 ml. A measuring cup is included, marked with graduations at 2.5 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 25 ml, and 30 ml. Not all pack sizes may be available in all countries.

Note on formulations: In some markets, lactulose is also available as a powder for oral solution (e.g., Kristalose in the United States), which is dissolved in water before use. This formulation contains lactulose in single-dose sachets and may be preferred by patients who find the liquid formulation too sweet or viscous.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lactulose

Medical References

All medical information is based on peer-reviewed sources and international guidelines. Evidence level: 1A (systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials).

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List, 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023.
  2. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Lactulose – Summary of Product Characteristics. EMA assessment report.
  3. British National Formulary (BNF). Lactulose. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2025.
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lactulose – Prescribing Information. FDA Orange Book listing.
  5. Vilstrup H, Amodio P, Bajaj J, et al. Hepatic encephalopathy in chronic liver disease: 2014 Practice Guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver. Hepatology. 2014;60(2):715–735.
  6. Sharma BC, Sharma P, Agrawal A, Sarin SK. Secondary prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy: an open-label randomized controlled trial of lactulose versus placebo. Gastroenterology. 2009;137(3):885–891.
  7. Lee-Robichaud H, Thomas K, Morgan J, Nelson RL. Lactulose versus polyethylene glycol for chronic constipation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(7):CD007570.
  8. Tabbers MM, DiLorenzo C, Berger MY, et al. Evaluation and treatment of functional constipation in infants and children: evidence-based recommendations from ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014;58(2):258–274.
  9. Gluud LL, Vilstrup H, Morgan MY. Non-absorbable disaccharides versus placebo/no intervention and lactulose versus lactitol for the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(5):CD003044.
  10. Wald A. Constipation: advances in diagnosis and treatment. JAMA. 2016;315(2):185–191.

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