- Brand Name :
- Drug Class : N/A
- Medical Author : John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
- Medical Reviewer :
- _eael_post_view_count : 6
What Is Lactase Enzyme Used For and How Does it Work?
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.
Dosages of Lactase Enzyme
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.