Lactulose Coupons & Prices

Looking for a lactulose coupon? Lactulose is a widely available prescription generic, so you do not need a costly brand to save. Cash prices for the same bottle can vary a lot from one pharmacy to the next, which is exactly why comparing matters. Rx.com checks prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can find a low cash price near you. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and print or text yourself a free discount coupon.

What is lactulose and how does it work?

Lactulose is an osmotic laxative. Chemically it is a synthetic disaccharide made of the sugars galactose and fructose. It is FDA-approved for two very different jobs: (1) treating chronic constipation, and (2) preventing and treating portal-systemic (hepatic) encephalopathy, including hepatic pre-coma and coma, in people with serious liver disease.

For constipation, lactulose draws water into the colon, which softens stool and helps it pass. In liver disease, it works a second way: it acidifies the colon so that ammonia is pulled out of the blood into the gut and then excreted, lowering blood ammonia levels. It is sold as a generic and under brand names such as Kristalose, Enulose, Constulose, Generlac, Cholac, and Constilac.

Lactulose cost and how to save without insurance

Lactulose is a low-cost generic, and there is no brand-name equivalent you need to pay extra for. Even so, the cash price you are quoted can differ widely depending on which pharmacy you walk into, so it pays to compare before you fill. There is no manufacturer savings card for lactulose because it is an inexpensive generic.

Rx.com compares cash prices across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies and gives you a free discount coupon you can use whether or not you have insurance. If you are paying cash, or your plan does not cover it well, the coupon price may beat your copay. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you.

Lactulose vs. other laxatives and alternatives

Lactulose is one of several options for constipation, and the right choice depends on your situation. Other commonly used products include polyethylene glycol (an osmotic laxative), stimulant laxatives like senna, and the stool softener docusate. For chronic constipation that does not respond to over-the-counter options, a prescription agent such as Linzess may be considered.

For lowering blood ammonia in hepatic encephalopathy, the antibiotic rifaximin is sometimes used alongside lactulose. These medicines work differently, so always follow your provider's guidance on which to use and whether to combine them. This is general information, not medical advice.

Safety, side effects, and interactions

Lactulose has no boxed warning. It is not for everyone: it is contraindicated in people who must follow a low-galactose diet (such as those with galactosemia) because the syrup contains galactose and lactose sugars. For the same reason, people with diabetes should use it with caution. Common side effects include gas (flatulence), bloating, and abdominal cramps, especially when starting. Taking too much, or using it too long, can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte problems such as low potassium (hypokalemia) or high sodium (hypernatremia).

When lactulose is used for hepatic encephalopathy, do not combine it with other laxatives, and be aware that non-absorbable antacids and antibiotics like neomycin may interfere with the colon acidification it needs to lower ammonia. There is also a theoretical risk of an explosive reaction from accumulated hydrogen gas if electrocautery is used during a colonoscopy, so tell your care team you take it before any procedure. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing how you take lactulose.