Why is lactalose used in chronic liver disease?

Encephalopathy: This synthetic no absorbable sugar is used to decrease the level of ammonia in the blood in the management of hepatic encephalopathy, the confusion and sleepiness that can occur in liver disease.

Ammonia: For prevention & treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction caused by high ammonia levels from liver disease). Breakdown of lactulose to organic acids (lactic, formic, & acetic acids) by colonic bacteria acidifies colonic contents which subsequently inhibit diffusion of ammonia back to blood.

Lactulose: Generally used to treat condition known as hepatic encephalopathy. There is ammonia build-up in the system due to malfunctioning liver. The encephalopathy is associated with mental confusion , tremor , disorientation, drowsiness which can progress to coma. Lactulose aids in lowering the ammonia level and thus prevent progressive encephalopathy.