Numark Lactulose 3.3g/5ml Oral Solution 300ml is a gentle oral laxative designed to ease constipation by softening stools and supporting more comfortable, regular bowel movements for adults and children. It contains lactulose, an osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel to make stools softer and easier to pass, which can be especially helpful if you struggle with hard, infrequent stools or ongoing constipation. Because it works gradually and is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is often preferred when a kinder, less aggressive approach to relieving constipation is needed, and it may also be used under medical supervision in certain liver conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy. Many people choose this solution when lifestyle changes like extra fluids and fibre have not been enough, and they want a trusted pharmacy-brand option that fits easily into everyday routines.

Key Features

• Gentle constipation relief: Provides mild, gradual relief from constipation by softening stools and helping them move through the bowel more comfortably, reducing straining and discomfort.
• Osmotic laxative action: Uses lactulose, a synthetic sugar that draws water into the bowel to increase stool moisture and volume, encouraging a more natural-feeling bowel movement.
• Suitable for adults and children: Can be used across different age groups, with age-appropriate dosing guidance available, making it a practical choice for households needing a flexible constipation treatment.
• Well-established medicine: Contains lactulose, a long-standing, widely used laxative supported by clinical experience and routine use in both short-term and chronic constipation, as well as in certain liver-related conditions under medical advice.
• Pleasant liquid format: Comes as a sweet-tasting oral solution in a 300 ml bottle, which many people find easier to take than tablets, and it can be measured to tailor the amount in line with your healthcare professional’s advice.

How does Numark Lactulose 3.3g/5ml Oral Solution work?

Lactulose works as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the bowel so that stools become softer and bulkier, which helps them pass more easily and naturally. This action supports more regular bowel movements over time rather than causing an immediate, forceful effect.

Who can use this lactulose solution?

This oral solution is suitable for adults and children, although the exact amount recommended varies by age and health status, so you should always follow the guidance on the label or your healthcare professional’s advice. People with certain conditions such as galactosaemia or significant intolerance to milk sugars may not be suitable candidates and should seek medical advice first.

How long does it take to work?

Lactulose usually does not work instantly; it often takes between 24 and 48 hours for constipation to improve, as the solution needs time to reach the bowel and change the water content of the stool. This gradual onset makes it a good option when you prefer a gentler, more controlled response rather than very rapid stimulation of the bowel.

Can it be used for long-term constipation?

Lactulose can be used for longer-term constipation in some cases, particularly when other measures such as extra fibre, fluids, and exercise have not fully resolved symptoms, but ongoing use should be reviewed regularly with a doctor or pharmacist. Regular professional review helps ensure the dose remains appropriate and checks that there is no underlying condition that needs separate assessment.

Are there any common side effects?

Like all medicines, lactulose can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them; typical ones can include wind, bloating, stomach discomfort, nausea or, if too much is taken, diarrhoea. Most of these effects are usually mild and tend to ease as your body adjusts or after the amount taken is reduced in line with professional advice.

Each 5ml contains 3.3g of Lactulose

Always take this medicine exactly as described in the leaflet or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Lactulose using a spoon or measuring cup. It can be taken with or without food. You may mix it with fruit juice or water. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment, approximately 6 to 8 glasses throughout the day. Swallow each dose immediately. Do not keep it in your mouth. Lactulose may take 2 to 3 days to start working. After this time, the dose may be reduced according to your needs.

Dosage for constipation

Adults and adolescents

Starting dose: 15 to 45 ml daily.

Then adjust to: 15 to 30 ml daily.

Children aged 7 to 14 years

Starting dose: 15 ml daily.

Then adjust to: 10 to 15 ml daily.

Children aged 1 to 6 years

Usual dose: 5 to 10 ml daily.

Infants under 1 year

Usual dose: up to 5 ml daily.

Dosage for hepatic encephalopathy

Adults

Usual starting dose: 30 to 45 ml, taken 3 to 4 times daily.

Missed dose

Take the next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If too much is taken

Stop taking Lactulose and speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

You may experience diarrhoea, abdominal pain or loss of electrolytes.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to lactulose or any of its ingredients.

Do not take if you have galactosaemia.

Do not take if you have a blockage not caused by normal constipation, gastrointestinal perforation, or risk of perforation.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you have unexplained tummy ache.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are lactose intolerant.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you have diabetes.

Do not take if you have galactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

If you have diabetes and are being treated for hepatic encephalopathy, your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medicine.

Long-term use of unadjusted doses or misuse may cause diarrhoea and electrolyte imbalance.

Use in children, infants and babies should only be under medical supervision.

Do not stop or change treatment without speaking to your doctor.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use after the expiry date shown on the carton or bottle.

Do not store above 25°C.

Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Flatulence may happen during the first few days of treatment, but it usually disappears after a couple of days.

If the dose is too high, abdominal pain and diarrhoea may also happen – just reduce the dose to help these go away.