Numark Lactulose 3.3g/5ml Oral Solution 500ml is a gentle, sugar-based laxative designed to ease constipation by drawing water into the bowel to soften stools and support more comfortable, regular bowel movements. Suitable for adults, older people and children under appropriate medical advice, it offers a milder alternative to stimulant laxatives, which many find easier to tolerate for ongoing management of irregularity. The solution contains lactulose as the active ingredient and works in the colon over 24–48 hours, making it well suited to those seeking gradual, reliable relief rather than an immediate effect. As a widely used osmotic laxative with long-standing clinical use, it is often recommended when dietary fibre and lifestyle adjustments alone have not fully resolved constipation.

Key Features

• Gentle constipation relief: Provides mild, gradual relief from constipation by increasing water content in the bowel so stools become softer and easier to pass, helping to reduce straining and discomfort.
• Osmotic laxative action: Uses lactulose, a non-absorbed sugar, which reaches the colon unchanged and is fermented there, drawing water into the gut and promoting natural bowel movements without harsh stimulation.
• Suitable for adults and children: Can be used across a wide age range, including adults, older people and children under medical guidance, making it a versatile option for families managing occasional or persistent constipation.
• Gradual onset for predictable use: Typically starts to work within 24–48 hours, which helps users plan ahead and makes it particularly useful for chronic constipation where a steady, ongoing effect is preferred.
• Single active ingredient solution: Contains lactulose 3.3g per 5ml as the only active component, reducing complexity and helping those who prefer a simple formulation that can be measured and adjusted as advised by a healthcare professional.

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

Numark Lactulose works as an osmotic laxative, passing unchanged into the colon where it is broken down by gut bacteria into organic acids that draw water into the bowel. This process softens stools and stimulates bowel movement gently, supporting more regular and comfortable toilet habits over time.

How long does it take for Numark Lactulose 3.3g/5ml Oral Solution to start working?

Lactulose oral solutions usually take between 24 and 48 hours to produce a bowel movement, so it is not considered a fast-acting remedy. Many people use it as part of a regular constipation management plan when quicker stimulant products are not suitable or desired.

Who can benefit most from using Numark Lactulose 500ml?

This product is especially useful for adults and older people who experience ongoing or recurrent constipation and prefer a gentle option that can be taken for longer periods under medical supervision. Children can also use lactulose on a doctor’s advice, which makes it valuable for households where different family members occasionally struggle with hard or infrequent stools.

How does Numark Lactulose 3.3g/5ml Oral Solution compare with other types of laxatives?

As an osmotic laxative, lactulose acts gradually and softly, which contrasts with stimulant laxatives that work more quickly by directly increasing bowel contractions and can sometimes cause cramping. Many people and clinicians prefer lactulose when a slower, more predictable normalisation of bowel function is needed, especially for long-term management.

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.