ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/lactulose
US brand names:Kristalose, Cephulac
Lactulose is dosed at 0.5 mg/kg PO twice a day in sugar gliders, per Stans J. 2023. Oncology of the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps): A comprehensive review. Veterinaria 72(2), 135-141. DOI 10.51607/22331360.2023.72.2.135 URL: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/fc94/0cbfb1f1c7923a9b46c0030b70349dfe92f4.pdf. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Synthetic disaccharide broken down by colonic bacteria to lactic, acetic, and formic acids. Osmotic effect draws water into colon. Acidifies colonic contents, converting ammonia to non-absorbable ammonium.
Dose to effect (soft stool). Excessive doses cause diarrhea, flatulence, cramping. Monitor electrolytes with chronic use. Essential in hepatic encephalopathy management.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Sugar Glider drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.