A 37-year-old member asked:
what're the adverse effects of lactulose?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Abdullah Mubarakanswered
Hepatology 28 years experience
Bloating: Abdominal bloating, cramps and loose bowel movements. Some patients do not like the sweet taste.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
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CA
A 32-year-old member asked:
Why is lactulose used for a patient who has azotemia?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Arthur Helleranswered
Gastroenterology 43 years experience
If liver problems: Lactulose is a poorly absorbable carbohydrate, causes gas, bloat, diarrhea; changes pH in bowel, affects bacteria; causes less ammonia production which somehow affects thought process, mentation in patients with chronic liver disease who can't clear these chemicals as well as norm.
Sometimes given for chronic constipation. Sorbitol works similarly, cheaper, found in sugarless candies, mints, gu.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
What are the side effects of lactulose?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Katharine Garnieranswered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Gi: This is used for a variety of conditions but can cause nausea/bloating/vomiting/severe diarrhea/intestinal cramps and abdominal distention, as well as complications from excessive diarrhea if excessive amounts are used.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Jackson, MS
A 38-year-old male asked:
What is lactulose?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Colin Kerranswered
Family Medicine 44 years experience
Lactulose: From wikipedia: lactulose (/ˈlæktjʉloʊz/) is a synthetic, non-digestible sugar used in the treatment of chronic constipation[1] and hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of liver disease. It is a disaccharide (double-sugar) formed from one molecule each of the simple sugars (monosaccharides) fructose and galactose. It is produced commercially by isomerization of lactose.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Why are alcoholics given lactulose?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. ASHRAF MALEKanswered
Specializes in Internal Medicine
For confusion: Alcoholics, who develop cirrhosis can have "encephalopathy", which is predominantly due to high ammonia. This can cause several symptoms, such as forgetfulness, low concentration, change in sleep, confusion, etc. These symptoms can be treated with lactulose.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Side effects of lactulose breath test?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Andrew Seibertanswered
Gastroenterology 35 years experience
Lactulose : Other than possible mild diarrhea from the lactulose itself, not lasting more than 1 to 2 days, there are not usually any side effects from the lactulose breath test. Good luck.
2.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 14, 2012
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