Purolac Syrup is a type of sugar used to treat constipation. It is a laxative that makes your stool easier to pass by drawing water into your bowel. It is also used to treat hepatic encephalopathy (a liver disease causing confusion, tremor, and decreased level of consciousness).
Purolac Syrup can be taken with or without food. Take it in the exact dose and duration advised by your doctor. Use it regularly to get the maximum benefit. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending on how well it is working. Do not take more than or longer than the advised duration. This medicine takes at least 48 hours to work. Talk to your doctor if you are still constipated after 3 days. The most common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days. Occasionally, people develop serious side effects, including severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance. Talk to your doctor straight away if you notice any of these. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have diabetes or if you are unable to digest milk sugar (lactose intolerant). If you are taking this medicine for the long term, your doctor may recommend occasional blood tests to check your mineral levels (e.g., potassium and sodium). Do not take other laxative alone with this medicine, and check with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent, and stools are hard to pass. Purolac Syrup helps soften the stool and increases bowel movement frequency by drawing water into the intestines. This provides gentle and effective relief from constipation and improves digestive comfort.
In Treatment of Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is a liver-related condition that affects brain function due to the buildup of toxins in the blood. Purolac Syrup helps remove these toxins, especially ammonia, through bowel movements. This helps improve mental clarity, reduces confusion, and supports better liver health and overall well-being.
Side effects of Purolac Syrup
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Purolac
Nausea
Flatulence
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting
How to use Purolac Syrup
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Purolac Syrup may be taken with or without food.
How Purolac Syrup works
Purolac Syrup works by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis, which makes the stool soft and easier to pass.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Purolac Syrup. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Purolac Syrup is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies do not indicate harmful effects. However, there are limited human studies.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Available human data suggest that the drug does not pass into breast milk in clinically significant amounts and is unlikely to harm the infant.
Driving
SAFE
Purolac Syrup does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Purolac Syrup is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data suggest dose adjustment may not be needed.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Purolac Syrup is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data suggest dose adjustment may not be needed.
What if you forget to take Purolac Syrup?
If you miss a dose of Purolac Syrup, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.\n
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
Purolac Syrup should preferably be taken at bedtime, as it requires 6 to 8 hours to show its effect.
It is usually taken once a day as needed for up to 2 weeks. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach disorders such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction.
Eat a fiber-rich diet (20–35 g/day) and drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to keep stools soft and regular.
Exercise regularly (at least 3 times a week) to support healthy bowel movements.
Do not delay bowel movements, as holding stool can worsen constipation.
Do not take this medicine for several months unless specifically advised by your doctor, especially for chronic conditions.
If you are using this medicine for a liver-related condition, your doctor may ask you to monitor and record the number of bowel movements per day.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
O-glycosyl compounds
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
GASTRO INTESTINAL
Action Class
Osmotic Laxatives / Purgatives
Interaction with drugs
Taking Purolac with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Inform your doctor if you notice any signs of bleeding (bruising, bleeding gums, blood in stool/vomit/urine). Lactulose may increase the effect of Acenocoumarol.
Inform your doctor if you notice any signs of bleeding (bruising, bleeding gums, blood in stool/vomit/urine). Lactulose may increase the effect of Warfarin.
Take Purolac Syrup exactly as advised by your doctor. It is usually taken by mouth, with or without food. You may take it with water or fruit juice to improve the taste. Try to take it at the same time each day to help maintain a regular bowel routine. Follow the prescribed dose and do not change it without consulting your doctor.
How long does it take for Purolac Syrup to work?
Purolac Syrup may take about 24 to 48 hours to produce a bowel movement. It does not work immediately. In some people, it may take a little longer. Continue taking it as advised and speak to your doctor if you do not notice any improvement after a few days.
Is it okay to take Purolac Syrup every day?
Purolac Syrup may be prescribed for daily use in certain conditions. However, it should only be taken for the duration recommended by your doctor. Long-term or frequent use without medical supervision is not advised. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding how long to continue treatment.
Can I take other laxatives along with Purolac Syrup?
You should not take other laxatives along with Purolac Syrup unless your doctor advises it. Using multiple laxatives at the same time may increase the risk of diarrhea, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance. If constipation persists, consult your doctor before adding any other medicine.
What if I take more than the recommended dose of Purolac Syrup?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Purolac Syrup may cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, or dehydration. In some cases, it may also disturb your body’s electrolyte balance. If you have taken too much and feel unwell, contact your doctor for advice. Drink enough fluids if diarrhea occurs.
What is Purolac Syrup and what is it used for?
Purolac Syrup is a laxative. It is commonly used to treat constipation by helping soften the stool and making it easier to pass. In some cases, it may also be prescribed for certain liver-related conditions where reducing blood ammonia levels is required. Your doctor will decide the appropriate use based on your condition.
Is it safe to use Purolac Syrup if I have diabetes?
Purolac Syrup contains small amounts of sugars such as lactose and galactose. These sugars are absorbed in small amounts, but they may affect blood glucose levels if taken in high doses or for a long time. If you have diabetes, inform your doctor before starting this medicine. Your blood sugar may need to be monitored during treatment.
Does Purolac Syrup cause gas or abdominal bloating?
Gas, bloating, and mild stomach cramps are common, especially during the first few days of treatment. These effects occur because gut bacteria break down the sugars in the medicine, which can produce gas. These symptoms often improve with continued use. Consult your doctor if the discomfort becomes severe or persistent.
Is Purolac Syrup safe for patients with lactose intolerance?
Purolac Syrup contains small amounts of lactose. People with lactose intolerance may experience gas, bloating, or stomach cramps after taking it. If you are sensitive to dairy products, inform your doctor before starting this medicine. They can decide whether this option is suitable for you.
Does Purolac Syrup help with acidity or gas?
No, Purolac Syrup is not an antacid. It is used to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements. It may actually increase gas during the initial days of use. If you have symptoms such as heartburn or reflux, talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment options.
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References
Sharkey KA, Wallace JL. Treatment of Disorders of Bowel Motility and Water Flux; Anti-Emetics; Agents Used in Biliary and Pancreatic Disease. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1332.
McQuaid KR. Drugs Used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 1079.
Lactulose. Maidenhead, Berkshire: Intrapharm Laboratories Limited; 2015 [revised 12 Jan. 2017]. [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Lactulose. Greenville, SC: PAI Pharma; 2025 [Accessed 04 Feb. 2026] (online). Available from:
Lactulose. Olst, The Netherlands: Abbott Biologicals B.V.; 2022 [Accessed 04 Feb. 2026] (online). Available from:
Marketer details
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