A laxative drug that is used to treat constipation.
An osmotic laxative (see OSMOSIS; LAXATIVES), lactulose is a semisynthetic disaccharide – a type of carbohydrate – which is not absorbed from the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT. It reduces the acidity of FAECES.
n. a disaccharide sugar that acts as a gentle but effective osmotic *laxative. It is administered by mouth but is not absorbed or broken down, remaining intact until it reaches the colon. There it is split by bacteria into simpler sugars that help to retain water, thereby softening the stools. Lactulose is also used as a bowel cleanser for treating *hepatic encephalopathy.
(portosystemic encephalopathy) a condition in which brain function is impaired by the presence of toxic substances, absorbed from the colon, which are normally removed or detoxified by the liver. It occurs when the liver is severely damaged (as in cirrhosis) or bypassed. Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, changes in personality, difficulty in performing tasks (e.g. writing), and coma. Treatment is mainly directed towards the underlying cause of liver disease and to any factors that may have precipitated the clinical deterioration (e.g. recent gastrointestinal haemorrhage, opiate medication, etc). Supportive measures consist of administering bowel cleansers (especially *lactulose, orally or by enema) and reducing protein and/or salt intake.... hepatic encephalopathy
n. a drug used to stimulate or increase the frequency of bowel evacuation (also called a cathartic or purgative), or to encourage the passage of a softer or bulkier stool. The common laxatives are the stimulants (e.g. *bisacodyl, *senna and its derivatives); osmotic laxatives (e.g. magnesium salts, *lactulose); and *methylcellulose, *ispaghula husk, and other bulking agents.... laxative
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