Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of lactulose during breastfeeding. Because lactulose is poorly absorbed orally, it is unlikely to reach the breastmilk in large amounts. Any lactulose that the infant absorbs from milk is rapidly eliminated in the urine.[1] Some experts consider lactulose to be a laxative of choice during breastfeeding.[2] Lactulose is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant and no special precautions are required.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1.

Mank E, van Harskamp D, van Toledo L, et al. Simultaneous assessment of intestinal permeability and lactase activity in human-milk-fed preterm infants by sugar absorption test: Clinical implementation and analytical method. Clin Nutr 2021;40:1413–9. [PubMed: 32948350]

2.

Gharehbaghi K, Gharehbaghi DR, Wierrani F, et al. Treatment of chronic functional constipation during pregnancy and lactation. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2016;220:9–15. [PubMed: 26866689]

Substance Name

Lactulose

CAS Registry Number

4618-18-2

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Gastrointestinal Agents

Laxatives