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Overview: Lactase is used to help with symptoms of lactose intolerance. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement in many forms, including as a liquid, tablet, chewable tablet, and capsule. Lactase works by breaking down lactose, which is the sugar in dairy products that causes the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactase is usually well tolerated. Before taking lactase, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is lactase used for?

Lactase is commonly used to reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed lactase for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does lactase work (mechanism of action)?

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is a sugar found in milk. Lactose is also found in dairy products made from milk, such as cheese and ice cream. Most people naturally have some lactase in their intestines. But not everyone makes enough lactase to break down the lactose in the foods that they eat. If lactose is not broken down properly, it can cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas. This is known as lactose intolerance.

Taking lactase can help break down the lactose found in dairy products. If you have lactose intolerance, this may help reduce your symptoms while eating dairy products.

How should I store lactase?

You should store lactase according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lactase?

Lactase is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of lactase that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lactase?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lactase are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lactase may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lactase and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lactase?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lactase.

  • Colief
  • Lactaid
  • Lactase
  • Milkaid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lactase products they stock.

What should I know about lactase before using it?

Lactase is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep lactase out of the reach of children.

Lactase is available in many different forms, including liquids, tablets, chewable tablets, and capsules. Some liquid lactase products can be added directly to milk before you drink it. Other lactase products should be chewed or swallowed at the same time that you start eating dairy-based foods. If you continue to eat dairy-based foods for more than 30 to 45 minutes after your first dose of lactase, you should take another dose.

Talk to your health care provider if your symptoms (such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating) do not get better or get worse after taking lactase.

The FDA has not tested lactase products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using lactase?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lactase is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lactase could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if lactase passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does lactase interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lactase and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lactase.

Does lactase interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between lactase and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between lactase and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with lactase is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking lactase with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lactase?

If you or someone else has used too much lactase, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Lactase comes in many different forms and doses. The right dose of lactase may depend on the foods you are eating and may also vary from person to person. You may need to take more than one dose of lactase during a long meal. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take lactase safely. Do not take double or extra doses unless instructed to do so on the product label or as your health care provider recommends.