An osmotic laxative used for the treatment of constipation.
Synthetic, non-digestible sugar used in the treatment of chronic constipation and hepatic encephalopathy.
A disaccharide formed from one molecule each of the simple sugars fructose and galactose. Contents [hide]
The metabolites of lactulose draw water into the bowel, causing a cathartic effect through osmotic action.
Can be taken safely daily for decades.
Safe for people of all ages.
Laxative effect can decline with prolonged use.
Increases the water content and volume of the stools, making them softer and easier to pass.
Is partly broken down by the bacteria in the lower part of the gut and this leads to the contents of the gut becoming more acidic.
Carboxylic acids are among the metabolites formed by bacterial degeneration, and they are not absorbed from the lower bowel.
Carboxylix acids cause water retention in the bowel softening the stool and making them easier to pass, and acidity causes active peristalsis.
Gas and flatulence caused by fermentation of the lactulose adds to the volume of the fecal material, and makes it easier to expel.
It is useful in treating people who abuse laxatives because lactulose has no toxic effect when taken at overdose levels, yet produces powerful results.
It is useful for reducing the constipating effects of opiates.
It is useful for treatment of hemorrhoids because it produces a soft bowel movement without any straining.
It is helpful for treating children who withhold their bowel movements.
Considered a prebiotic because it enhances the beneficial bacterial flora of the intestine.
Sweet tasting.
Generally produces results within 4 hours if taken on a daily basis.
Can cause electrolytic imbalances in sensitive individuals.
Stimulates peristalsis through acidification and gas and increases feeling of urgency through enlarging the volume of the bowel contents.
Used to treat hepatic encephalopathy as it is metabolized in the colon by bacterial flora to short chain fatty acids including the production of lactic acid and acetic acid, acidifying the colonic contents promotes the formation of the nonabsorbable NH4+ from NH3, trapping NH3 in the colon and effectively reducing plasma NH3 concentrations.
Treatment for hepatic encephalopathy generally requires oral dosage three or four times a day to promote diarrhea.
Is not absorbed, does not affect the absorption of spironolactone and may be used by diabetics. It is used in patients with cirrhosis/hepatic encephalopathy to limit the proliferation of ammonia forming gut organisms and increase the clearance of protein load in the gut.
Lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy generally requires oral dosage three or four times a day with diarrhea almost a certain side effect.
In the elderly or people with reduced kidney function, excess dosage can result in dehydration and electrolytic disturbances.
As semisynthetic derivative of sugar that is not absorbed from the gut.
May take up to 48 hours to work.
It is available as a solution.
May cause flatulence, cramps, and abdominal discomfort.
Should not be taken by people with intestinal obstruction or galactosaemia.