Lactulose Fresenius 500ml | Dulcosoft Alternative | Constipation Relief Ireland | Chemco

Lactulose Fresenius 500ml — Constipation Relief Laxative

Lactulose Fresenius 500ml is a gentle osmotic laxative for the relief of constipation, widely used across Irish pharmacy for decades. It works by drawing water into the bowel, softening stools and making them easier to pass — providing gradual, gentle relief over 24–48 hours without the cramping or urgency of stimulant laxatives.

One of the most widely recommended laxatives by Irish pharmacists and GPs, Lactulose Fresenius is available without a prescription and is suitable for adults, children and older patients.

Pharmacist's Note — For Patients Switching from Dulcosoft

"Lactulose Fresenius is a well-established osmotic laxative that has been a cornerstone of Irish pharmacy practice for many years. For patients who were using Dulcosoft — now discontinued in Ireland — Lactulose Fresenius is the most appropriate readily available alternative. Both are osmotic laxatives working by the same mechanism. The main practical difference is that lactulose may cause slightly more bloating in some people as it is fermented by gut bacteria. Starting at a lower dose and taking with adequate fluid minimises this. For most patients, Lactulose Fresenius provides effective, comfortable constipation relief."

— James Cloney MPSI, Co-Founder & Superintendent Pharmacist, Chemco Pharmacy (20+ years experience)

Key Features

• Osmotic laxative — draws water into the bowel to soften stools
• Gentle, gradual action over 24–48 hours
• No cramping or urgency — non-habit-forming
• 500ml bottle with flexible dosing
• Suitable for adults, children and older people
• Can be taken neat or mixed with water or juice
• Available without prescription
• Medical card prescribable by your GP
• Pharmacist-recommended alternative to Dulcosoft — confirmed by James Cloney MPSI

How to Use

Take as directed on the label or as advised by your pharmacist. Can be taken neat or diluted in water or juice. Take once or twice daily. May take 24–48 hours for full effect. Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day.

Pharmacy medicine. Do not use if you have galactosaemia or intestinal obstruction. Speak with your pharmacist if constipation is persistent, severe, or accompanied by pain, bleeding or unexplained weight loss. Always read the label before use.

Why Buy from Chemco Pharmacy?

• ✅ Pharmacist recommended — James Cloney MPSI, Co-Founder & Superintendent Pharmacist
• ✅ Registered Irish online pharmacy — genuine Fresenius product
• ✅ Fast nationwide delivery across Ireland
• ✅ In stock — ready to dispatch
• ✅ Also available: SylliFlor Psyllium Husks for natural daily fibre support

Lactulose vs Dulcosoft (Macrogol) — What's the Difference?

Feature	Lactulose Fresenius ✅	Dulcosoft (macrogol)
Active ingredient	Lactulose	Macrogol (polyethylene glycol)
Mechanism	Osmotic — draws water into bowel	Osmotic — draws water into bowel
Onset of action	24–48 hours	24–72 hours
Bloating risk	Possible at higher doses — reduce with lower starting dose and good fluid intake	Lower — not fermented by gut bacteria
Available in Ireland	Yes — in stock at Chemco Pharmacy	No — discontinued
Prescription required	No (also prescribable on medical card)	No
Pharmacist recommendation	✅ Recommended by James Cloney MPSI	Discontinued — not available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lactulose Fresenius the best alternative to Dulcosoft in Ireland?

Yes. Following the discontinuation of Dulcosoft in Ireland, Lactulose Fresenius 500ml has been confirmed by James Cloney MPSI — Co-Founder and Superintendent Pharmacist at Chemco Pharmacy — as the recommended alternative for constipation relief. Both are osmotic laxatives with the same mechanism of action. Lactulose is well-established, widely used, available without prescription and in stock at Chemco Pharmacy for immediate delivery across Ireland.

How long does Lactulose take to work?

Lactulose typically takes 24–48 hours to produce a bowel movement. It works gradually by drawing water into the bowel to soften stool — it does not cause the sudden urgency of stimulant laxatives. Adequate fluid intake is important — drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day while taking lactulose. If there is no effect after 2–3 days at the correct dose, speak with your pharmacist.

Will Lactulose cause bloating if I am switching from Dulcosoft?

Some people notice slightly more bloating or wind with lactulose compared to macrogol, as lactulose is fermented by gut bacteria. This is more common at higher doses. If you are switching from Dulcosoft, start at the lower end of the recommended dose range and increase gradually if needed. Taking it with plenty of water and spreading the dose through the day can also help. For most people switching from Dulcosoft, any bloating is mild and settles within a week or two as the gut adjusts.

Is Lactulose suitable for children?

Yes. Lactulose can be used safely in children at the appropriate dose for their age and weight. The liquid format makes dosing straightforward for younger children. Always follow the dosing instructions on the label or ask your Chemco pharmacist for age-specific guidance.

Can I get Lactulose on my medical card?

Yes. Lactulose is prescribable by GPs in Ireland and can be dispensed under the medical card / GMS scheme. If you were previously on a Dulcosoft prescription through your GP or hospital, inform them that Dulcosoft has been discontinued so they can update your prescription to Lactulose.

Is Lactulose Fresenius available in Ireland?

Yes. Lactulose Fresenius 500ml is available to order from Chemco Pharmacy with fast delivery across Ireland. We are a registered Irish pharmacy with stock available for immediate dispatch. It is also prescribable by your GP on a medical card.