Pharmacologic Substance
lactulose
lac·tu·lose
Brand Names:
Constulose; Enulose; Generlac; Kristalose
Effect:
Increased Large Intestinal Motility; Inhibition Large Intestine Fluid/Electrolyte Absorption; Stimulation Large Intestine Fluid/Electrolyte Secretion; Stimulation Small Intestine Fluid/Electrolyte Secretion
May Treat:
Constipation;
Hepatic Encephalopathy
More Information:
Definitions related to lactulose:
-
A disaccharide (sugar) synthesized from fructose and galactose, Lactulose is used to treat constipation and some liver diseases. Nondigestible in mammals, lactulose passes unabsorbed down to the large intestine where resident bacteria consume it and produce lactic, acetic, and formic acids, which draw fluid into the bowel to soften the stool (laxative effect). Acidification of the colon contents attracts ammonia from the bloodstream, assisting stool excretion; helpful in liver failure when ammonia cannot be detoxified. (NCI04)NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
A synthetic disaccharide used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It has also been used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p887)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> L
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.