Using Lactulose long term

[Ella59]

Does anyone know if it is safe to use Lactulose long term? I have IBS-C and have tried all the other remedies such as kiwis, psyllium, prunes ,linseeds, chia seeds and I drink plenty of water but find they either don’t work or give me terrible griping pains. Although I’d prefer to take a natural product I’m fine with Lactulose and only take a maximum of 5 mls but have been taking it 3 or 4 times a week and am wondering if it’s safe to do this.

[PinkPenguin96]

I was told by my doctor a while ago that it is safe to use Lactulose long-term. I took it daily for several months at one point.

[Terrym100 in reply to PinkPenguin96]

My Dad is 100 years old and last year started to suffer from severe constipation. Doctor prescribed 30ml Lactolose daily. He has been taking this for over 1 year now and is absolutely fine.

[Orchard33]

There is a concentrated rhubarb capsule that was recommended on this site. I bought from Amazon and use it when I need to. Very effective. I also use slippery elm and a Love My Gut powder (also from Amazon). Not everyday but my constipation has really improved.

[dogandbone in reply to Orchard33]

Hi Orchard33. I am really interested in you taking slippery elm and wonder where you get it from. Most chemists don’t have any . Does it help your constipation much? I have constipation a lot of the time and am looking for something natural. Glad things are helping you.

[Orchard33 in reply to dogandbone]

I think it does. I also take a rhubarb remedy from Amazon which is great

[dogandbone in reply to Orchard33]

Thank you

[Hetchins1946]

My wife was taking a painkiller for many years that caused severe constipation - she had lactulose on her repeat prescription. She generally took 5ml a day. It doesn't seem to be a problem, but your doctor or a pharmacist is the best person to give you this advice.

[Ella59 in reply to Hetchins1946]

Thanks Hetchins1946, I’ll mention it to the pharmacist when I next go.

[Krisbetty]

I have been taking laxido on and off for the past 2 years as recommended by my GP as nothing else seems to help.

[Convertiblegirl]

I've been told by my GP that lactulose or Movicol are fine for long term use as they are not laxatives and do not cause lazy bowel. I had IBS-C which has been made worse by hormone therapy for breast cancer. I now take Movicol every dayxx

[Ella59]

Thanks everyone for the replies

[Dolly38]

Hi EllaI know that awful feeling of trying so many different things diet wise. I've spoken to several dietitians who although helpful in many many ways both have given conflicting advice. I too have tried psyllium Husk laxido makes me sorry to say this go from one extreme to the other ! I am trying out a plant based diet. Will post on here when I have been on it a few months. It's a whole new way of eating.

Hang on in there warrior!

Take care of yourself.

Lally

[Ella59 in reply to Dolly38]

Yes, I keep trying to go down the ‘healthy’ road but nothing seems to work. I thought I’d found the answer in Psyllium Husks but that created more problems than it solved. I am vegetarian but no longer can tolerate anything high fibre, I look forward to hearing the results of your plant based diet.