Constipation is a condition of the digestive system in which a person faces hard fecal matters that are difficult to eject. This generally takes place because the colon soaks up too much water from the food. If the food moves too slowly through the gastro-intestinal tract, the colon may absorb huge amount of water, resulting in fecal matters that are dry and hard. Elimination of fecal waste can be tremendously painful, and in extreme cases can even lead to bowel obstruction symptoms. Diet, hormonal or structural transformation, side effect of drugs, or a sickness or disorder can eventually result in constipation. Treatments include changes in dietary and exercise habits, use of laxatives depending on the fundamental cause.

Lactulose is an artificial sugar commonly used in treating constipation. It is a double sugar formed from one molecule each of the simple sugars, fructose and galactose. Lactulose Solution is commercial syrup used for treating constipation and is coloured yellow - orange. It is produced commercially by isomerisation of lactose.

Lactulose solution is a natural laxative that regulates the bowel smoothly and is used for the treatment of constipation, including chronic or habitual constipation. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide; a sugar particle consisting of two smaller sugar particles bonded together.

Lactulose is not metabolized or absorbed by the body. Rather, the microbes in the colon or large bowel smash the lactulose down into acids. These acids drag water into the colon which in turn softens the stool. The passage of the food through the intestines is also supported through the actions of lactulose. As a result, bowel departure becomes much easier. Lactulose solution can also be used by pregnant women, children, people who faced surgery, aged people or people with strict and/or constant constipation.

Lactulose solution has a twofold mode of action- firstly it softens stools and secondly it promotes their movement through the bowel. It may take between 24 and 72 hours before normal the elimination of fecal waste occurs.

Different people react differently to medication. So, like any other medication, Lactulose can sometimes have common side effects like abdominal cramping and gas. Some of the least common side effects include nausea and vomiting. Extremely high dosage can even cause explosive and uncontrollable diarrhoea. In normal individuals, overdose is considered uncomfortable. While in sensitive individuals, such as the elderly or people with reduced kidney function, excess dosage can result in dehydration and high sodium levels.