Lactulose(lak’ tyoo lose)
Ammonia-reducing drug: Apo-Lactulose (CAN), Cephulac, Enulose
Laxative: Constilac, Constulose, Kristalose, PMS-Lactulose (CAN), ratio-Lactulose (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Ammonia reduction drug
Laxative
Therapeutic Actions
The drug passes unchanged into the colon where bacteria break it down to organic acids that increase the osmotic pressure in the colon and slightly acidify the colonic contents, resulting in an increase in stool water content, stool softening, laxative action. This also results in migration of blood ammonia into the colon contents with subsequent trapping and expulsion in the feces.
Indications
Treatment of constipation
Prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to lactulose, low-galactose diet.
Use cautiously with diabetes, pregnancy, and lactation.
Available Forms
Syrup, solution—10 g/15 mL
Dosages
Adults
Laxative
15–30 mL/day (10–20 g) PO; may be increased to 60 mL/day as needed.
Oral
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