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Answer:Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products, and lactose intolerance occurs when a person does not produce enough of the enzyme called lactase.

Most people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate the lactose in oral medication because it usually takes around 12 to 18 gm of lactose—about the amount in 8 to 12 oz of milk—to cause the symptoms that include gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Most oral medications contain far less than this amount. However, some individuals may still experience those symptoms from very small amounts of lactose. In these cases, lactase enzyme supplementation may help. These supplements, available over the counter, help by breaking down lactose. Probiotics, which contain beneficial bacteria that may help break down lactose, are another possible remedy.

If you are sensitive enough, talk to your doctor about switching to either a different formulation of the medication or a different medication altogether. If these options are unavailable, ask about having the medication compounded without the lactose.

Learn more about lactose intolerance in the Walgreens.com Health Library.

View lactose intolerance products available from Walgreens.com.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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