Lactulose

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Information for Authority record
Name (Hebrew)
לקטולוז
Name (Latin)
Lactulose
Name (Arabic)
اللاكتولوز
See Also From tracing topical name
Disaccharides
Laxatives
MARC
MARC
Other Identifiers
Wikidata: Q422689
Library of congress: sh 88003122
Sources of Information
  • Work cat.: Hepatic encephalopathy, c1988.
  • Chem. abst.
  • Merck.
  • Am. drug index.
  • MESH.
  • Old catalog heading.
Wikipedia description:

Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It is administered orally for constipation, and either orally or rectally for hepatic encephalopathy. It generally begins working after 8–12 hours, but may take up to 2 days to improve constipation. Common side effects include abdominal bloating and cramps. A potential exists for electrolyte problems as a result of the diarrhea it produces. No evidence of harm to the fetus has been found when used during pregnancy. It is generally regarded as safe during breastfeeding. It is classified as an osmotic laxative. Lactulose was first made in 1929, and has been used medically since the 1950s. Lactulose is made from the milk sugar lactose, which is composed of two simple sugars, galactose and glucose. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2022, it was the 267th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 900,000 prescriptions.

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