Kristalose, or lactulose, is a medication used to treat patients with constipation. This medication is a man-made sugar that helps increase water content within the stools, which helps soften hard or difficult-to-pass stools. Kristalose can also increase the frequency of daily bowel movements and should only be taken as directed by a doctor. Discuss Kristalose side effects with a pharmacist or doctor before beginning treatment with this medication.
Diarrhea
Certain patients taking Kristalose can develop diarrhea as a side effect of treatment, warn health officials at Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, urgent bowel movements that produce watery, loose stools. These side effects of Kristalose occur most frequently in patients who take more than the recommended dose of this medication or who do not have pre-existing bowel movement difficulties, such as constipation. Additional side effects associated with diarrhea can include abdominal cramping, bloating or pain. Contact a doctor as soon as possible if side effects of diarrhea persist or worsen during Kristalose treatment.
Nausea
Treatment with Kristalose can result in sensations of nausea in certain patients, explain health officials at Kaiser Permanente, a leading provider of health care within the United States. Kristalose can cause an unpleasant taste to arise within the mouth, which may contribute to side effects of nausea or stomach upset in certain patients. To limit these side effects, consider mixing the dose of Kristalose with fruit juice or milk, advises PDR Health, a medical information website established by the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. A patient who begins to vomit following treatment with Kristalose should contact a doctor immediately for further evaluation and care.
Belching
Use of this medication can cause excess gas to build up within the stomach. If this occurs, patients taking this medication may begin to belch as a side effect of treatment, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. Belching can be embarrassing to certain patients and may occur in conjunction with rumbling stomach noises or flatulence. These side effects of Kristalose are temporary and typically subside within a few hours following treatment.
Allergic Reaction
Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can occur as a side effect of Kristalose treatment. Allergic reaction side effects include skin rash or hives; breathing difficulties; chest discomfort; or swelling of the throat, mouth, lips or face. If any of these side effects develop following Kristalose use, contact a doctor immediately to prevent further medical complications.
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