What is lactulosis?
Lactulose is a type of synthetic sugar that is often prescribed for a serious side effect of liver disease called liver encephalopathy, as well as constipation. The drug is classified as a disaccharide, carbohydrate discarded from simple sugars of galactose and fructose. It seeks to increase the water content of the intestines, causing laxative effects and facilitating looser, more comfortable stools. This is achieved by the process of osmosis that attracts water and mixes the produced waste products. Sugar molecules that contain lactulose are partially spread by bacteria that are located in the area, resulting in more acids in the intestine. The formation of these additional acids prevents water absorption and the water content is maintained in the lower intestine.
Excess water produced by lactulose stools softer, more frequent and significantly easier to express. This process is helped by the increased presence of flatulence caused by the fermentation of lactulose in the system and preparing the body for the movement of the intestine. Contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the sphincter called peristalsis,It is another common effect of using lactulose, which further prepares the system for more comfortable release of waste products.
Lactulose is most often prescribed for chronic constipation. It is commonly administered to patients who experience a long, recurring period without the movement of the intestines. The drug is considered safer than laxatives because it can be used in increased doses without the main side effects.
drugs are also prescribed to those who have liver encephalopathy, a condition that results from liver disease. Those with liver encephalopathy have a high level of toxicmoniak in the body and lactulose helps to remove this harmful substance. Usually it is one of the first defensive lines in the fight against liver encephalopathy, which, if not treated, can lead to confusion, coma and even death.
Lactulose is an oral medicine. For those who have chronic constipation, they are taken once a day and for those who have jateRNNI encephalopathy can be used up to four times a day. Patients tend to start at a lower dosage and the amount of lactulose increases or decreases in conjunction with the patient's specific needs.
The most common - and desired - side effects of lactulose are free stools and diarrhea. Other reported side effects include stomach cramps and unusually odorful bloating. The drug is not prescribed for those who have allergy or sensitivity to galactose, one of the sugars that make up lactulose.