AboutEric Brandt Expertise I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.
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Question I jave diverticulosis and because of periods of constipation been advised by physician to take above as well as daily dose of Metamucil.
I find it not a fast activelaxtive to be sure but I suppose it helps but I take dilantin also for epilepsy. However that condition is controlled, no sizures in 27 hyears.
My questionm is since both does it matter when I take lactulose and does it have to be a fiar time apart from Metamucil.
Also is lactulose available ina powder form. I have to travel to B.C. in a few months and wouild prefer a powder that will not leak.
Thanks
Answer Hi Art,
Lactulose and Metamucil have different modes of action. Lactulose is an osmotic laxative. In the colon, lactulose is broken down to lactic acid (and other short-chain carboxylic acids) by the action of colonic bacteria. The resulting increase in osmotic pressure and acidification of portions of the colonic contents are believed to be responsible for the increase in stool volume and frequency observed during lactulose administration.
Metamucil is a bulk forming laxative. It add bulk and fibre to the stool.
I recommend they be taken at different times so as not to interfere with each other's action.
They should also be taken apart from Dilantin so as not to intefere with its absorption which can result in lower blood levels and loss of control over the epilepsy.
I have only seen lactulose in orange flavor liquid. It is not available in powder form.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
