Lactulosum [INN-Latin]
Lactulosum [INN-Latin] - General Information
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)
Pharmacology of Lactulosum [INN-Latin]
Therapeutically, lactulose has laxative and ammonia-detoxifying actions. In treating constipation lactulose metabolites draw water into the bowel, causing a cathartic effect through osmotic action.
Lactulosum [INN-Latin] for patients
Lactulosum [INN-Latin] Interactions
Results of preliminary studies in humans and rats suggest that nonabsorbable antacids given concurrently with lactulose may inhibit the desired lactulose-induced drop in colonic pH. Therefore, a possible lack of desired effect of treatment should be taken into consideration before such drugs are given concomitantly with lactulose.
Lactulosum [INN-Latin] Contraindications
Since KRISTALOSE™ (Lactulose) for Oral Solution contains galactose (less than 0.3 g/10 g as a total sum with lactose), it is contraindicated in patients who require a low galactose diet.
Additional information about Lactulosum [INN-Latin]
Lactulosum [INN-Latin] Indication: For the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy.
Mechanism Of Action: Lactulosum [INN-Latin] is a synthetic sugar used in the treatment of constipation and liver disease. It consists of the monosaccharides fructose and galactose. In the colon, lactulose is broken down primarily to lactic acid, and also to small amounts of formic and acetic acids, by the action of via evolved-beta galactosidase from colonic bacteria, which results in an increase in osmotic pressure and slight acidification of the colonic contents. This in turn causes an increase in stool water content and softens the stool. In treating heptic diseases (hepatic encephalopathy) it is thought that lactulose draws out ammonia from the body in the same way that it draws out water into the colon.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Take without regard to meals. Drink liberally.
Generic Name: Lactulose
Synonyms: Not Available
Drug Category: Gastrointestinal Agents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Lactulose: Acilac; Bifiteral; Cephulac; Cholac; Chronulac; Constilac; Constulose; D-Lactulose; Duphalac; Enulose; Evalose; Fructofuranose; Generlac; Heptalac; Isolactose; Kristalose; Lactulosa [INN-Spanish]; Lactulosa [Spanish]; Lactulose [USAN-BAN-INN-JAN]; Lactulose, ~98%; Lactulosum [INN-Latin]; Lactulosum [Latin]; Laevolac; Lattulosio [Italian]; Laxilose; Portalac;
Absorption: Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as no human enzyme that is capable of hydrolysis of this disaccharide is present in human gastrointestinal tissue.
Toxicity (Overdose): LD50=18.2 g/kg (oral, rat). Side effects include diarrhea and resultant dehydration.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Lactulose is completely metabolized in the colon by enteric bacteria, and no lactulose is excreted in the feces.
Half Life: 1.7-2 hours
Dosage Forms of Lactulosum [INN-Latin]: Liquid Oral
Solution Oral
Syrup Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: (2S,3R,4S,5R,6R)-2-[(2R,3S,4S,5R)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol
Chemical Formula: C12H22O11
Lactulose on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactulose
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
