lactase

n.
An enzyme occurring in certain yeasts and in the intestinal juices of mammals and catalyzing the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose.

Brand names: Dairyease®, Lac-Dos®, Lactaid® Original, Lactaid® Ultra, Lactaid® Extra Strength, Lactrase®, Rite Aid® Dairy Relief™ Original Strength, Rite Aid® Dairy Relief™ Extra Strength, Surelac®, Walgreens® Dairy Digestive™

Español:
• Cápsulas, "caplets", tabletas normales o masticables de lactasa

Lactase chewable tablets, tablets, caplets, or capsules

What are Lactase chewable tablets, tablets, caplets, or capsules?

LACTASE (Dairyease®, Lac-Dos®, Lactaid®, Lactrase®, RiteAid® Dairy Relief™, Surelac®, Walgreens® Dairy Digestive™) is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of lactose. Lactose is a sugar is found in dairy products such as ice cream, cheese and milk. When the lactase enzyme is not present, lactose intolerance can occur after eating dairy foods and cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating and gas. Lactase supplements can break down lactose and relieve symptoms related to lactose intolerance. Lactase supplements are available without a prescription from many different manufacturers.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• phenylketonuria (chewable lactase tablets may contain phenylalanine)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lactase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take lactase chewable tablets, tablets, caplets, or capsules by mouth with the first bite of a meal or drink that contains dairy products. Chewable tablets may be chewed prior to swallowing. You may take lactase with each dairy-containing meal or drink. Do not take lactase too early or the stomach will breakdown the enzyme and it will not be effective. It may take a trial to see what dose of lactase reduces your symptoms best.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Missing a dose is not harmful, but you may experience lactose intolerance symptoms to some degree if the meal contains dairy foods. If you forget to take lactase with the first bite of food, you can take it during the meal.

What drug(s) may interact with Lactase?

• No drug interactions have been documented between lactase and other medications.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent use of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Lactase?

Lactase should decrease symptoms of lactose intolerance such as diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating and gas. Consult your health care professional should you experience unusual symptoms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Lactase?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• there are no known serious side effects from taking lactase

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• report any perceived unusual effects

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Keep away from heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 2/9/2004 2:32:00 PM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

d-galactosidase; an enzyme in the intestinal mucosa that hydrolyzes lactose, producing glucose and galactose.

• l. deficiency — a deficiency of intestinal lactase, which causes abdominal distention and cramping and often diarrhea when milk is drunk.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: any of a group of enzymes (trade name Lactaid) that hydrolyze lactose to glucose and galactose
  Synonym: Lactaid

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