Lactase Enzyme

Lactase enzyme is an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement used to treat lactose intolerance.

Lactase enzyme is available under the following different brand names: Lactaid Original, Colief, Lactaid Fast Act Chewables, and Lactaid Fast Act Caplets.

Expressed in FCC units

Tablet

• 3,000 units/tablet (Lactaid Original)
• 9,000 units/tablet (Lactaid Fast Act Caplets)

Chewable tablet

• 9,000 units/tablet (Lactaid Fast Act Chewables)

Oral Solution

• Colief Infant Drops

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Lactose Intolerance

Adult and pediatric dose: Take 3,000-9,000 units orally with meals or dairy

Infant Colic

Breast milk

• Express a few tablespoons of breast milk into a sterilized container
• Add 4 drops of lactase infant drops
• Give mixture to infant on a spoon or oral syringe before initiating breastfeeding
• Breast feed as normal

Formula

• Prepare infant's formula as per manufacturer's instructions (or use ready-to-use formula)
• Add 4 drops of lactase infant drops to warm (not hot) formula
• Wait 30 minutes, shaking the formula occasionally, then feed your infant as normal, making sure that the formula is at the correct temperature
• Discard any unused formula

Making formula in advance with lactase infant drops

• Prepare infant's formula as per manufacturer's instructions
• Add 2 drops of lactase infant drops to the warm (not hot) formula
• Store in your refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours before use and use within 12 hours
• Feed infant as normal making sure that the formula is at the correct temperature
• Discard any unused formula

Administration

Lactase enzyme is destroyed by high heat; it works best in warm milk/formula (i.e., body temperature approximately 98 degrees F).

Add lactase infant drops after milk/formula is prepared and at body temperature; do not boil milk with the lactase drops already mixed in with the milk.

Side effects of Lactase Enzyme may include:

• Lactase enzyme has no documented adverse side effects.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Lactase Enzyme has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Lactase Enzyme has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Lactase Enzyme has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Lactase Enzyme has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains lactase enzyme. Do not take Lactaid Original, Colief, Lactaid Fast Act Chewables, or Lactaid Fast Act Caplets if you are allergic to lactase enzyme or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• None documented

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Lactase Enzyme?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Lactase Enzyme?"

Cautions

• Some products may contain aspartame and should be avoided in patients with phenylketonuria
• Has not been evaluated by the FDA, but is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption

Pregnancy and Lactation

Lactase enzyme is generally acceptable for use during pregnancy. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk. Lactase may be used with breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of their health professional before using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.