Lactulose is a liquid medication most commonly prescribed to help manage constipation in cats. Common brand names include Cephulac and Kristalose. In this article, you’ll learn about how lactulose works, when it’s used, possible side effects, and some common problems.
Quick Facts: Lactulose for Cats
Drug type:
Osmotic Laxative, Ammonia Antidote
form:
Liquid Solution, Crystalline for Oral Solution
Do I need a prescription? :
Yes
brand name:
Generlac, Constulose, Enulose, Kristalose
Available doses:
The solution concentration is 1g/1.5ml. Crystals in 10g and 20g sachets.
Valid period range:
Lactulose should be stored at room temperature, avoid freezing. The lactulose solution may settle out where crystals come out of solution, this does not mean the solution is bad and can be remixed by gentle reheating. Products should be used before the expiration date on the packaging.
About Lactulose for Cats
Lactulose is a drug most commonly used to relieve constipation in cats.
Lactulose is classified as a nonabsorbable disaccharide osmotic laxative. It is also considered an ammonia detoxifier. Ammonia is a by-product of protein breakdown in the body.
Normally, the liver is able to remove excess ammonia from the body, but if excess ammonia is produced or there is a problem with liver metabolism, excess ammonia in the blood can lead to adverse effects. As a neurotoxin, hyperammonemia can lead to neurologic symptoms of the disease.
Lactulose is metabolized by normal flora bacteria in the colon, which helps to acidify the contents of the colon. This naturally causes the ammonia to migrate from the blood into the colon, allowing excess ammonia to be excreted in the stool. In this way, lactulose can be used in medical cases where too much ammonia is being produced or ammonia is not being properly removed from the body.
Lactulose also acts as an osmotic laxative, meaning it draws water into the colon, helping to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. It also does this by being metabolized by bacteria in the colon, resulting in the production of free fatty acid compounds that increase intestinal osmolarity.
Also read: Vet-Approved Cat Poop Chart: Decoding Your Cat’s Poop
What does lactulose do for cats?
Lactulose can help remove excess ammonia from the body and is useful for cats with hepatic encephalopathy.
Lactulose’s ability to help remove excess ammonia from the body is used primarily in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is a general disorder of the liver that can have a variety of causes. These may include vessels called portosystemic shunts, which allow blood to bypass liver metabolism, sudden acute liver failure, and serious drug-related effects.
Of all the causes, problems with the liver (liver) can cause too much ammonia in the blood. Hepatic encephalopathy from ingested ammonia can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including lethargy, digestive disorders, behavioral changes, and neurologic symptoms such as seizures, head-pressing behavior, and difficulty walking.
In cats, lactulose may be given orally to remove excess ammonia from the body to help prevent signs of high ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Since hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia can have multiple causes, lactulose is usually not the only drug needed, but one of the most important in preventing the neurological effects of too much ammonia in the body.
More commonly, lactulose is used as a laxative in cats suffering from constipation.
Constipation in cats can have many underlying causes, so another treatment that addresses the underlying problem is also important, but lactulose can help draw water into the intestines, which can help soften the stool and make bowel movements easier.
Lactulose can be given regularly to cats with chronic constipation problems, cats with a history of constipation (fecal blockage), or cats with megacolon in which stool cannot pass through the colon normally.
While it’s a great laxative, the main downside to lactulose is that it usually comes in the form of a viscous liquid that many cats find unpalatable. The liquid should be taken directly, which can sometimes be a messy, sticky struggle. In most cases, more frequent dosing several times a day is also necessary.
Also read: How to tell if a cat is straining to poo or urinate
Lactulose Side Effects in Cats
Like most medicines, lactulose has some potential side effects.
Some possible side effects of lactulose include gas, gas, bloating, and cramping. Since lactulose forms free fatty acids from bacterial fermentation, it is also considered a prebiotic. This process causes the bacteria to produce more gas by metabolizing the drug.
Fortunately, this side effect may only appear earlier and usually subsides over time.
The dosage of lactulose should meet the needs of the cat and the quality and consistency of the stool. Large amounts of lactulose can cause diarrhea and lead to dehydration and electrolyte changes.
Because of possible electrolyte changes, lactulose should be used with caution in any cat with pre-existing electrolyte disturbances.
Lactulose should not be used in cases of intestinal obstruction, such as cats with constipation. Constipation is when the cat is so constipated that the feces are actually causing the blockage. If there is no bowel movement within 24 hours of giving lactulose, especially if your cat seems very ill or has decreased appetite, consult your veterinarian before continuing to use lactulose or any other laxative.
It is best to contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the potential side effects of using lactulose, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435)or Pet Poisoning Helpline (1-855-764-7661) Seek further advice immediately.
Also read: Cat Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Lactulose Dosage for Cats
Lactulose is not FDA-approved for use in pets, so it is used on extra labels for cats.
Lactulose is not an FDA-approved drug for use in pets, so all uses are considered extra label for cats. Regarding dosage and frequency, since lactulose is highly variable, it is important to consult your veterinarian about the optimal dosage and frequency for your kitten, but some guidelines are included here to avoid overuse.
The dose of lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy is 1-3 ml per 10 kg (not per kg). It is important to understand that most cats do not require more than 0.5 to 1 mL per dose. Larger or overweight cats approaching 20 lbs may require a higher dose of 1-2 ml.
Depending on the situation, the frequency can vary from every 6-8 hours. Staying in touch with your kitten’s veterinarian is important to report improvement in any relevant signs of hepatic encephalopathy to determine dosage adjustments. Once a dose is found to control symptoms without causing loose stools or diarrhea, the dose for hepatic encephalopathy should not be adjusted.
Also read: What to do if you see blood in your cat’s poop?
For constipation, the dosage for most cats is 2-3 mL per cat every 8-12 hours. For constipation, the dose may be adjusted according to the quality, consistency, and frequency of stools.
In addition to liquid formulations of lactulose, lactulose crystals can also be added to cat food for use. Because liquid lactulose should be taken orally directly, and some cats are highly resistant to liquid medications, this administration strategy may be more effective.
For crystalloids, the dosage is approximately ¼-½ teaspoon per cat. This equates to approximately 1-2.5ml per cat. For constipation, the dose may be adjusted to achieve the desired stool quality and consistency.
Also Read: Best Cat Food for Constipation
in conclusion
Overall, lactulose is generally a safe and effective medication for cats with constipation or problems causing ammonia buildup in the blood.
Lactulose is a very useful medication most often given to cats suffering from constipation. It is also used to remove excess ammonia from the body in hepatic encephalopathy caused by certain liver diseases.
Liquids are viscous and messy, making them difficult to manage, but crystals may offer a viable alternative. Lactulose is generally safe to use, but adjustments may be needed to prevent excessive gas and diarrhea.
Also read: Neomycin for Felines: Overview, Dosing, and Side Effects
frequently asked questions
How long does it take for lactulose to work in a cat?
It may depend on what the lactulose is being used for. For hepatic encephalopathy where the goal is to remove excess ammonia, it may take 12-24 hours for the product to reach the colon and be metabolized by the bacteria.
Also for constipation, it has to reach the colon to provide its osmotic laxative properties. General constipation, should see stool within 12-24 hours. If not, the dose can be increased as directed by your veterinarian. If you still don’t see stool, especially if your appetite has decreased or you’re vomiting, have your kitten checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
What does lactulose do for cats?
Lactulose is both an ammonia scavenger, which helps draw ammonia out of the blood and into the stool for excretion, and an osmotic laxative, which helps draw water into the colon to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.
How Much Lactulose Should You Feed Your Cat?
Dosage is very variable, depending on whether the treatment is removing ammonia from the body or treating constipation. In general, most cats may need about 2ml every 8 hours. However, this dose may need to be higher or more frequent depending on the desired stool weight and quality.
As with any medication, it is best to consult a prescribing veterinarian for advice on dosage adjustments.
Is lactulose bad for cats?
If consumed in excess, lactulose can cause diarrhea, dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. This is why the dose should be adjusted for the most effective dose for the desired stool quality. Lactulose should also not be given in cats with fecal blockage (constipation) or other intestinal obstruction. If the cat does not have a bowel movement within 12-24 hours of use, you should contact your veterinarian for advice or to have your kitten checked.
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
