Lactulose Solution USP
Lactulose belongs to the laxative drugs designed to treat constipation. Lactulose also helps in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Constipation is a condition where bowel movements become infrequent with dry, painful, and hard-to-pass stools. Hepatic encephalopathy is a liver disease where the toxic substances produced by the bloodstream accumulate because the liver fails to remove them.
Lactulose is comprised of ‘lactulose’ which, by absorbing water in the body and into the bowel, softens stools hence making it easier to pass out. Second, it reduces the ‘ammonia’ content in the blood of patients who are distressed by liver problems through the procedure of forcing ammonia from the blood into the colon, encouraging the excretion of toxic substances in the body.
Lactulose Solution Uses
- Lactulose is used orally or rectally to cure the problems of liver disease, mainly hepatic encephalopathy.
- This suspension helps improve mental function by decreasing ammonia levels in the blood.
- Lactulose functions as a colonic acidifier, decreasing ammonia absorption by boosting colon acidity.
- Acquire from synthetic sugars, it is suitable as an oral solution mainly for curing constipation. Moreover, this medicine is used to control portal-systemic encephalopathy, a brain situation linked to the cure of liver disease.
How does the Lactulose Solution work?
Lactulose is a drug class put under laxatives. A class of drugs is a group of medicines that work the same way. These drugs are also applied to treat related illnesses. Lactulose is man-made synthetic sugar. In the large intestine, it decomposes and draws some water into the intestine. This makes the stool softer, thus relaxing from constipation.
Lactulose is also used in the management of elevated blood ammonia levels due to liver disease. Portal-systemic encephalopathy can result from excessively high levels of ammonia. This medication exerts its effect through ammonia extraction from your blood into your large intestine. Ammonia is then derived from your blood through your stool by your large intestine.
Side Effects of Lactulose Solution:-
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Expert Advice For Lactulose Solution
- Lactulose Solution helps to cure constipation and hepatic encephalopathy problems.
- This medicine should be taken mainly at bedtime as it requires 6 to 8 hours to show effect.
- It is normally taken once a day as needed for up to 2 weeks. Take this suspension exactly as consulted by the doctor.
- Take this suspension at least 2 hours after taking other medicines, as it may restrict the sucking up of other medicines.
- Ask your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems such as appendicitis or a blockage in your bowel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ques. How long does it take for Lactulose to work?
This medicine takes about 2-3 days to see the benefits of the treatment. Ask your doctor if you feel constipated even after 3 days of taking this medicine.
Ques. What is Lactulose used for?
Lactulose is used to cure constipation which occurs as uncommon bowel movements, and hard and dry stools. This medicine is also used in patients with hepatic encephalopathy which is a serious liver problem originating to confusion, tremors, and reduced level of consciousness.