Lactulose is a semisynthetic disaccharide which is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It produces an osmotic diarrhoea of low faecal pH and discourages the proliferation of ammonia producing organisms. It is therefore useful in the treatment of hepatic ncephalopathy.
Indication: Constipation, hepatic encephalopathy..
Contraindication: Galactosaemia, intestinal obstruction,
Side effects: Flatulence, cramp, abdominal discomfort.
Dose: Constipation. adult,initially 15ml twice daily then gradually reduced according to patient's needs;
Child, under 1 year 2.5ml, 1· 5 years 5ml, 6·12 years 10ml, all twice daily, gradually reduced.
Hepatic encephalopathy- 30-50ml 3 times daily, subsequently adjusted to produce 2-3 soft stools daily.
Pregnancy category: B
Indication: Constipation, hepatic encephalopathy..
Contraindication: Galactosaemia, intestinal obstruction,
Side effects: Flatulence, cramp, abdominal discomfort.
Dose: Constipation. adult,initially 15ml twice daily then gradually reduced according to patient's needs;
Child, under 1 year 2.5ml, 1· 5 years 5ml, 6·12 years 10ml, all twice daily, gradually reduced.
Hepatic encephalopathy- 30-50ml 3 times daily, subsequently adjusted to produce 2-3 soft stools daily.
Pregnancy category: B