laktulos
Lactulose, also known as laktulos in some languages, is a synthetic disaccharide used primarily as a laxative and in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It consists of the sugars galactose and fructose. In the small intestine it is not absorbed; when it reaches the colon, resident bacteria ferment it to short-chain fatty acids, lowering colonic pH and increasing osmotic pressure. The lower pH converts ammonia (NH3) to ammonium (NH4+), reducing ammonia absorption and helping treat hepatic encephalopathy. As an osmotic laxative, lactulose increases stool water content and accelerates bowel movements.
Indications include chronic constipation and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver disease. It may also be
Contraindications include intestinal obstruction, acute surgical abdomen, and galactosemia; hypersensitivity to lactulose is also a precaution.